| Calvinism and Arminianism, and |
Created Date: 26-Jan-2019 |
| Freewill vs. Predestined |
Last updated: 5-Jun-2020 |
| A A A help |
| 1 | Summary of the two views |
| 2 | Problems in Calvinism and Arminianism |
| 3 | We are the Metachoi |
| 4 | Predestine vs. Free Will |
| 5 | Five Points of Calvinism and Arminianism |
| This is an excerpt from the
Death Psalm 22 topic: It was necessary for God the Son to make the restitution payment for all people in history of the world, even when there will be those who do not accept Him as their Savior, in order for the perfect judgment of Jesus Christ at the Great White Thrown of Judgment to be perfect in fairness for those that rejected Him. |
Calvinism believes that all the Believers, that really did accept Jesus Christ as their Savior will persevere in their Faith until their death. If the Believer did not persevere then they were never a Believer.
Arminianism believes that Believers can lose their Salvation and Believers are always in jeopardy of losing their Salvation based on their works towards Salvation.
Both of these views have some correct views (listed below) but contain false assertions based on incorrect interpretation of the whole Word of God. There is absolutely nothing that anyone can do to lose their Salvation. Rewards in Heaven are based on works which has nothing to do with Salvation.
The person who believes in Arminianism, believes "works" are an essential part of keeping Salvation. If a person doesn't maintain a works path based on some list or on emotional conclusions, then they person would fear that they lost their Salvation.
A person who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior is a Believer. Metachoi means:
A Believer (metachoi) has:
Predestined:
| Romans 8:29 | For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. |
| Proverbs 16:9 | The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. |
| Ephesians 1:4-5 | 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, |
Freewill in our Lives:
| Joshua 24:15 | And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. |
| Revelation 3:20 | Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. |
| 1 Corinthians 10:13 | No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. |
God states in Isaiah 46:10 and many other scriptures that He knows the end from the beginning.
| Isaiah 46:8-10 | 8 Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose, |
The problem of understanding the possible paradox of predestination vs. freewill, will go away when we remember that:
Therefore, God knows our eventual choices to select Him, which God initiates, and then the Holy Spirit helps us in our life.
Remember that Jesus Christ died for All and for those who would receive Him would be Saved. These four Scriptures alone point out part of the problems with both Calvinism and Arminianism. If Jesus Christ:
then we have reassurance in our Faith!
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2 Corinthian 5:14-15 |
14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. |
| Hebrews 2:9 | But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. |
| John 1:12 | But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, |
| John 17:12 | While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. |
| John 10:29 | My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father s hand. |
In the list below, the true and false indicators may require the reader to spend more time researching, which is a rewarding pursuit for the Christian when we study the whole Word of God. If you have not read the topic on Salvation and that Salvation cannot be lost or forfeited, then read them before going looking at the two tables below.
The Calvinistic has an acronym called T.U.L.I.P. which stands for:
| # | Description | Calvinism's explanation | Correct? | A few Scriptural References |
| 1 | Total Depravity | mankind is totally depraved | TRUE | Mark 7:21; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23 |
| 2 | Unconditional Election | God does not choose us for anything that God sees in mankind. Additionally, God does not select anyone based on someone accepting Jesus Christ in the future. | FALSE | Partially true but God does see a future for all of mankind that would repent and love Him. Ephesians 1:4-5 |
| 3 | Limited Atonement | Jesus died only for the "elect" | FALSE | Hebrews 2:9; John 12:32; Luke 2:10 |
| 4 | Irresistible Grace | When God selects someone, then the person cannot resist the invitation to accept Salvation through Jesus Christ. | FALSE | Proverbs 1:24-26; John 12:48; 2 Chronicles 36:16; Romans 2:8; John 3:18-19 |
| 5 | Perseverance of the Saints | No one can lose their Salvation. | TRUE | Salvation Cannot Be Lost |
The Arminianism also has five points:
| # | Description | Arminianism's explanation | Correct? | A few Scriptural References |
| 1 | Partial Depravity | Mankind will still seek God in the depraved state. | TRUE | God is revealed in Creation. When mankind hears the Word Of God, then there is revelation that can be received or rejected. Romans 1:20; Romans 2:14-15; 2 Timothy 3:16 |
| 2 | Conditional Election | God will only choose those who He knew would accept Him | FALSE | God reaches out to everyone. John 3:16 |
| 3 | Unlimited Atonement | Jesus Christ died for everyone even though there are those who would not accept Him | TRUE | John 3:16; Hebrews 2:9; John 12:32; Luke 2:10 |
| 4 | Resistible Grace | People will still reject God even if God witnesses Himself to all People | TRUE | Proverbs 1:24-26; John 12:48; 2 Chronicles 36:16; Romans 2:8; John 3:18-19 |
| 5 | Conditional Salvation | Salvation can be lost. | FALSE | Salvation Cannot Be Lost |
What to read next?
What is Salvation? Is it is possible to lose Salvation? We have eternal life. Evolution is not real. When a Christian suffers is there benefits from it. Rewards in heaven. Do we Tithe? What does the 3rd Commandment tell us? What is Grace and Mercy? Is there an Age of Accountability? Is there a place of unending punishment and exile form God?