Arminianism-what is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Arminianism is often considered the counterpoint to Calvinism in its view of soteriology (how salvation takes place). Arminianism emphasizes humankind's responsibility in salvation whereas Calvinism emphasizes God's sovereignty.

Arminianism contains five points:

Partial depravity recognizes humankind's sin nature (Genesis 3) but believes that God releases us from the bondage to sin enough to accept or reject His free gift of grace (Deuteronomy 30; Matthew 23:37).

Conditional election posits that God's foreknowledge of how someone will respond to Him determines who He elects to save (Romans 8:29; 1 Peter 1:1-2).

Arminians also hold the view that Jesus died for everyone, which they call unlimited atonement (John 3:36; 1 John 2:2; 1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Another Arminian view is resistable grace, the idea that we can reject the grace God offers us (Matthew 23:37).

Finally, Arminians use passages like Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:26-27 to support their view in conditional salvation, the idea that believers can lose their salvation.

Ultimately, how we're saved is not as important as that God saves us.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Both Arminians and Calvinists believe in humankind's depravity as inherited from Adam (Genesis 3:6; cf. Romans 5:12). But Arminians believe that God releases people from the bondage of sin enough to accept or reject God's gift of salvation.
• Those who disagree with the Arminian view of conditional election often point to the Old Testament model of God choosing Israel but not because of anything particularly special about them (Deuteronomy 7:7-8, 9:6). Arminians might counter by pointing to Old Testament passages that show God reads hearts (1 Samuel 16:7) and gives His people the choice to accept or reject His commands (Deuteronomy 30).
• Ezekiel 18:23 is used as a passage to show that God takes no "pleasure in the death of the wicked," which suggests support for the Arminian view of unlimited atonement. A Calvinist might counter by pointing to the Isaiah 53:8 messianic prophecy that implies Jesus' death was for God's people.
  

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Arminians believe that we can resist God's grace and thereby not be saved. One passage that may be used to support this view is Jesus' lament over Jerusalem: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37; emphasis added).
• Other passages, such as John 6:37, counter that view in support of irresistable grace. There, Jesus says, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out."
• Arminians believe in conditional election, i.e., that God elects only those whom He knows will accept His free gift of salvation. Passages such as Romans 8:29 and 1 Peter 1:1-2 support this view, though such verses are interpreted differently by those who hold to Calvinism.
• Unlimited atonement is another Arminian tenet. This view holds that Jesus' death was for all humanity (John 3:36; 1 John 2:2; 1 Timothy 2:5-6) even though not all would place their faith in Him and be saved. This contrasts with the Calvinist doctrine of limited atonement, though some Calvinists agree with Arminians on this point.
• Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:26-27 are often used to support the Arminian doctrine of conditional security, the view that believers can lose their salvation. But other Scriptures, such as John 10:28, counter this view, and not all Arminians hold to it.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

If someone is sinking in quicksand, should you extend a tree limb or a rope? Sometimes the question isn't about the objective but the means to it. This is the case with disgreements between Arminians and Calvinists. Both recognize God's saving power, but disagree on the specific means of salvation.

But the disagreement isn't one to divide over. Christians disagree about many secondary issues (e.g., eschatology, cessationism v. continuationism, method of baptism, etc.), but we should all be in sync with one: We're saved  by the grace of God almighty. Even Arminians would agree that without God's saving grace, we would have no hope.

When we evangelize to unbelievers, we won't be discussing the merits of Arminianism. We'll be telling them the good news about Christ.

UNDERSTAND

• Arminianism is named after sixteenth century Dutch theologian Jacob Arminius.
• Arminianism emphasizes humankind's responsibility in salvation and posits a belief system that contrasts with Calvinism.
• Whether someone subscribes to Arminianism or Calvinism, all believers can agree on the core doctrines of Christianity.

REFLECT

• What aspects of God's sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation challenge or encourage you?
• How does understanding God’s sovereignty in salvation shape the way you approach your own faith and obedience?
• In what ways does recognizing human responsibility in responding to God’s grace influence your response to Him?

ENGAGE

• How can Christians hold differing views on salvation while remaining united in faith and mission?
• In what ways do Arminian perspectives on human response to God encourage the sharing of the gospel?
• How might conversations about election, atonement, and perseverance be conducted in a way that leads to growth rather than division?