Theological systems
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Three main systems of Christian theology attempt to explain the relationship between God’s sovereignty cq full control cq predestination cq irrisistable grace and man’s responsibility cq free will in the matter of salvation. These three systems are called Calvinism, Arminianism, and Molinism. Calvinism is named for John Calvin, a French theologian who lived from 1509-1564. Arminianism is named for Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian who lived from 1560-1609. Molinism is named for the Spanish Jesuit, Luis de Molina (1535-1600).
Three main systems of Christian theology attempt to explain the relationship between God’s sovereignty cq full control cq predestination cq irrisistable grace and man’s responsibility cq free will in the matter of salvation. These three systems are called Calvinism, Arminianism, and Molinism. Calvinism is named for John Calvin, a French theologian who lived from 1509-1564. Arminianism is named for Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian who lived from 1560-1609. Molinism is named for the Spanish Jesuit, Luis de Molina (1535-1600).
Calvinism vs. Arminianism can be summarized with five points:
So, in the Calvinism vs. Arminianism debate, who is correct? It is interesting to note that in the diversity of the body of Christ, there are all sorts of mixtures of Calvinism and Arminianism. There are five-point Calvinists and five-point Arminians, and at the same time three-point Calvinists and two-point Arminians. Many believers arrive at some sort of mixture of the two views. Ultimately, both systems fail in that they attempt to explain the unexplainable. Human beings are incapable of fully grasping a concept such as this. Yes, God is absolutely sovereign (omnipotent) and knows all (omniscient). Yes, human beings are called to make a genuine decision to place faith in Christ unto salvation. These two facts seem contradictory to us, but in the mind of God they make perfect sense. Molinism tries to reconcile the contradictions and finds biblical examples for that.
Denominations in the Calvinist/reformed tradition
Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, Evangelical Anglican, Congregationalist, and Reformed Baptist.
Denominations in the Arminian tradition
Evangelicals, Pentecostal/Assemblies of God, Baptist, Church of the Nazarene, Methodist.
Personal conviction
I, Ed, am an Arminian evangelical. On the fifth point, I am convinced that when a person who comes to be born again can turn away from God afterwards, but God does not reject that person. Salvation is salvation, which cannot be reversed, at least not on God's part. Such a person has much to explain at the judgment seat of Christ.
1. Depravity
Calvinism holds to the total depravity of man while Arminianism holds to partial depravity. Calvinism’s doctrine of total depravity states that every aspect of humanity is corrupted by sin; therefore, human beings are unable to come to God on their own accord. Partial depravity states that every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin, but not to the extent that human beings are unable to place faith in God of their own accord. Note: classical Arminianism rejects “partial depravity” and holds a view very close to Calvinistic “total depravity” (although the extent and meaning of that depravity are debated in Arminian circles). In general, Arminians believe there is an “intermediate” state between total depravity and salvation. In this state, made possible by prevenient grace, the sinner is being drawn to Christ and has the God-given ability to choose salvation.
2. Election
Calvinism includes the belief that election is unconditional, while Arminianism believes in conditional election. Unconditional election is the view that God elects individuals to salvation based entirely on His will, not on anything inherently worthy in the individual. Conditional election states that God elects individuals to salvation based on His foreknowledge of who will believe in Christ unto salvation, thereby on the condition that the individual chooses God.
3. Atonement
Calvinism sees the atonement as limited, while Arminianism sees it as unlimited. This is the most controversial of the five points. Limited atonement is the belief that Jesus only died for the elect. Unlimited atonement is the belief that Jesus died for all, but that His death is not effectual until a person receives Him by faith.
4. Resistibility
Calvinism includes the belief that God’s grace is irresistible, while Arminianism says that an individual can resist the grace of God. Irresistible grace argues that when God calls a person to salvation, that person will inevitably come to salvation. Resistible grace states that God calls all to salvation, but that many people resist and reject this call.
5. Perseverence
Calvinism holds to perseverance of the saints while Arminianism holds to conditional salvation. Perseverance of the saints refers to the concept that a person who is elected by God will persevere in faith and will not permanently deny Christ or turn away from Him. Conditional salvation is the view that a believer in Christ can, of his/her own free will, turn away from Christ and thereby lose salvation. Note - many Arminians deny "conditional salvation" and instead hold to "eternal security."
So, in the Calvinism vs. Arminianism debate, who is correct? It is interesting to note that in the diversity of the body of Christ, there are all sorts of mixtures of Calvinism and Arminianism. There are five-point Calvinists and five-point Arminians, and at the same time three-point Calvinists and two-point Arminians. Many believers arrive at some sort of mixture of the two views. Ultimately, both systems fail in that they attempt to explain the unexplainable. Human beings are incapable of fully grasping a concept such as this. Yes, God is absolutely sovereign (omnipotent) and knows all (omniscient). Yes, human beings are called to make a genuine decision to place faith in Christ unto salvation. These two facts seem contradictory to us, but in the mind of God they make perfect sense. Molinism tries to reconcile the contradictions and finds biblical examples for that.
Denominations in the Calvinist/reformed tradition
Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, Evangelical Anglican, Congregationalist, and Reformed Baptist.
Denominations in the Arminian tradition
Evangelicals, Pentecostal/Assemblies of God, Baptist, Church of the Nazarene, Methodist.
Personal conviction
I, Ed, am an Arminian evangelical. On the fifth point, I am convinced that when a person who comes to be born again can turn away from God afterwards, but God does not reject that person. Salvation is salvation, which cannot be reversed, at least not on God's part. Such a person has much to explain at the judgment seat of Christ.