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Learn about Calvinism and Arminianism, Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of Saints, and find out the truth behind these theological doctrines. Discover the historical conflict between John Calvin and Jacobus Arminius.
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Calvin versus Arminius 1509 - 1564 1560-1609
Background • “Saint” Augustine (354-430) – believed inherited depravity and predestination. • Palagius (354-420/430) – Adam’s sin affected only him; infants are holy. • John Calvin (1509-1564) – developed the system known as Calvinism: TULIP. • Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609) – rejected doctrines of John Calvin.
Total Depravity • “From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all actual transgressions” (Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., p. 21). • They use: Ps. 51:1-5 (58:3-6); Eph. 2:1-3 (Rom. 2:14).
Arminius Truth • Arminius believed in inherited sin - but God gives enabling grace to overcome. • The Truth • God made & makes man in His image, Gen. 1:26; Zech. 12:1; Eccl. 12:7; Heb. 12:9; Ezek. 18:4,20; Mt. 18:3
Unconditional Election • “By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestined unto everlasting life, and others…to everlasting death… and their number is so certain and definite that it cannot be either increased or diminished” (Ibid. p. 12). • Misuse: Eph. 1:11; Acts 13:48 (46; 15:2)
The Truth • Lydia did not “exercise faith because she was saved” – but was saved because she exercised her faith, Acts 16:13-15; Mk. 16:16 • God is not a respecter of persons, Acts 10:34,35; Rom. 2:11 • Whoever will may come, Jn. 3:16; Mt. 28:19; Rev. 22:17
Limited Atonement • “God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect; and Christ did in the fullness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification” (Ibid. p. 36). • No Scripture is given for this – just a “necessary inference” from Predestination (no purpose in atonement for the lost).
Atonement For All • Heb. 2:9 – “But we see Jesus…that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” • 1 Jn. 2:2 – “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” • Heb. 5:9 – “…to all who obey Him”
Irresistible Grace • “And those whom God hath predestined unto life, and those only, he is pleased in his appointed time, effectually to call” (Ibid, p. 33). • The chosen have no choice – until quickened by the Spirit which they cannot reject.
If he Ought, he Can • The gospel is God’s power to save believers, Rom. 1:16 • The foolishness of the message preached saves believers, 1 Cor. 1:21 • Man may reject or receive, Jn. 12:47,48
Perseverance “Those whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved” (Ibid, p. 49). Misuse: Jn. 10:28,29; 1 Jn. 3:9 (5:11,12; 2:24)
The Truth • Warning from Israel, 1 Cor. 10:8-10 • Brethren can quit believing, Heb. 3:12; 6:4-6 • The vine and branches, Jn. 15:1-6 • Questions: (1) Was the branch ever really in the vine? (v. 2) • (2) What does the fire represent? (v. 6)
Summary • Total Deparvity; inherited sin • Unconditional Election; predestination • Limited Atonement; died for the elect • Irresistible grace; direct operation of the Holy Spirit • Perseverance of saints; once saved, always saved
Conclusion • Calvinism has permeated more religious denominations, and cults, than any other false system of religion. • Some only accept parts of the system, but it logically is a complete system. • None of it is Scriptural!