FAQ #1

                             What is the difference? Arminianism/Calvinism

In the early 1600s these schools of thought became associated with the names James (Jacob) Arminius and John Calvin. Although far more profound than this, Armininianism and Calvinism are commonly compared to each other by way of the following five points of doctrine listed below. Neither Arminius nor Calvin should be held responsible for the rigid formulations of these truths.

Arminianism’s third declaration and Calvinism’s corresponding response, as understood by traditional Calvinism, make it impossible for either of them to accept the so-called “universalistic” texts as they are written (See Posting #2).

This is so because both schools of thought correctly reject the teaching that all persons will be saved, i.e. Absolute Universalism.  Arminianism accepts the “all persons” element of those texts and therefore must reject the “certain-to-be-realized-salvation” component. Traditional Calvinism accepts the “certain-to-be-realized” factor and therefore is compelled to reject the “all persons” element that is clearly found in those texts.


ARMINIANISM’S DECLARATIONS:                  CALVINISM'S RESPONSES:

                                                                                                   
1. No one is so completely corrupted                             T     1. Fallen sinners i their natural state

   by sin that they cannot believe the                                            lack all ability to believe the gospel

    gospel when it is put before them.                                           apart from the miracle of grace.
                                                                                                  
2. God’s election is prompted by His                             U     2. God's election is a free, sovereign,

    foreseeing and choosing those who                                        unconditional choice of sinners, to be

   will of their own accord choose to                                             redeemed by Christ, given faith, and

   believe.                                                                                              brought to glory.
                                                                                                   
3. Christ’s death did not insure the                                L     3. Christ died for, and secured the

    salvation of anyone; it merely                                                    salvation of all those, and only those,

    created the possibility of salvation                                           who were chosen in him before the

    for everyone, if they believe.                                                       foundation of the world.
                                                                                                   
4. No one is ever so completely                                      I      4. The Holy Spirit never fails to bring

    controlled by God that he cannot                                             to salvation everyone for whom

    reject the gospel.                                                                         Christ died.
                                                                                                  
5. Believers must keep themselves in                          P     5. Believers are kept in faith and grace

    a state of grace by keeping up their                                        by the unconquerable power of God

    faith; those who fail in this will fall                                           until they come to glory.

   away and be lost.

NOTE:  The responses of Calvinism are popularly known by the acronym T-U-L-I-P--- Total Depravity; Unconditional Election; Limited Atonement; Irresistable Grace and Perseverance of the Saints.

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