Tonight I had a long conversation with my daughter about the meaning of 1 Tim. 4:10. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. As we talked, we explored various interpretations of this [...]
Arminianism
Arminianism: The Golden Idol of Freewill by Augustus Toplady
Not unto us, 0 LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy Name, give glory for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake (Psalm 115:1). Some expositors have supposed, that this Psalm was penned by the prophet Daniel; on occasion of the miraculous deliverance of Shadrac, Meshac, and Abednego, when they came out, unhurt, from the [...]
Is Prevenient Grace in the Bible? by Joseph M. Gleason
The doctrine of original sin leads to one of two conclusions: God’s Sovereignty in salvation, or an Arminian version of prevenient grace. Both Calvinists and Arminians say they believe in original sin. Adam was the father of the human race, and when he sinned, his sin was imputed to all of his children, including you [...]
Does Scripture Teach Prevenient Grace in the Wesleyan Sense? (Part I) by Thomas Schreiner
The Nature of Fallen Humanity This chapter explores whether the Wesleyan concept of prevenient grace can be supported from the Scriptures. Before examining this question, I want to emphasize that there is a significant area of common ground between Wesleyans and Calvinists. The disagreements that we have in some areas can cause us to overlook [...]
The Wesleyan View of Fallen Humanity (Part II) by Thomas Schreiner
It is notable that John Wesley would agree with the preceding diagnosis. He writes, I believe that Adam, before his fall, had such freedom of will, that he might choose either good or evil; but that, since the fall, no child of man has a natural power to choose anything that is truly good. Yet [...]
Prevenient Grace in the Wesleyan System (Part III) by Thomas Schreiner
If Wesleyans and Calvimsts concur on the human condition, wherein do they differ? One major place that Wesleyans break with Calvinists is through their doctrine of prevenient grace. Elton Hendricks says that this doctrine ”played a more important role in Wesley’s theological thought than in that of any other Protestant theologian.”[14] Williams affirms that it [...]
Wesleyan Arguments in Favor of Prevenient Grace (Part IV) by Thomas Schreiner
For all Bible-believing Christians, the most important question in matters of doctrinal dispute is this: what is the Bible’s teaching as it pertains to the issue at hand? Calvinists and Armimans likewise must turn to the Bible. The critical question is whether or not the doctrine of prevenient grace is supported by Scripture. We cannot [...]
A Critique of the Wesleyan Arguments for Prevenient Grace (Part V) by Thomas Schreiner
We now proceed to analyze the four arguments for prevenient grace advanced by Wesleyans. I will argue that their case is unpersuasive and that their doctrine of prevenient grace is not found in Scripture. Wesleyans, however, advance some exegetical and theological arguments in defense of prevenient grace that will be considered here. We turn first [...]
Wesleyan Prevenient Grace – Conclusion (Part VI) by Thomas Schriner
This chapter explores whether the Wesleyan concept of prevenient grace can be supported from the Scriptures. Before examining this question, I want to emphasize that there is a significant area of common ground between Wesleyans and Calvinists. The disagreements that we have in some areas can cause us to overlook the extent to which we [...]
Differences between Semi-Pelagianism and Arminian Beliefs
Semi-Pelagianism While not denying the necessity of Grace for salvation, Semi-Pelagianism maintains that the first steps towards the Christian life are ordinarily taken by the human will and that Grace supervened only later. Arminianism In contrast to semi-pelagianism, Arminianism teaches that the first steps of grace are taken by God. This teaching derives from the [...]
Calvinism vs Arminianism – Comparison Chart
The following material from Romans: An Interpretative Outline (pp.144-147). by David N. Steele and Curtis C. Thomas, contrasts the Five Points of Arminianism with the Five Points of Calvinism in the clearest and most concise form that we have seen anywhere. It is also found in their smaller book, The Five Points of Calvinism (pp. [...]
Who was Arminius? by Robert Godfrey
President & Church History Professor of Westminster Theological Seminary James Arminius (Jacob Harmenszoon) is undoubtedly the most famous theologian ever produced by the Dutch Reformed Church. His fame is a great irony since the Dutch Reformed Church historically was a bastion of strict Calvinism and Arminius has given his name to a movement very much [...]
Outlines of Theology: Pelagianism, Semi-Pelagianism & Augustinianism by A. A. Hodge
A COMPARISON OF SYSTEMS In this chapter will be presented a brief sketch of the main contrasting positions of the three rival systems of Pelagianism, Semipelagianism, and Augustinianism, or as they are denominated in their more completely developed forms, Socinianism, Arminianism, and Calvinism–together with an outline of the history of their rise and dissemination. 1. [...]
Arminianism Exposed – Part I by Mark Herzer
I have been a Calvinist for fifteen years or so. I have relished our doctrines and, as a Presbyterian, cherished our ecclesiology. And like all my Calvinistic brothers, I have had my bouts with Arminians. From these encounters, we have formed certain opinions about Arminianism. Some of us have even read Arminian theological works. However, [...]
Arminianism Exposed – Part II (Conclusion) by Mark Herzer
Conclusion My goal behind this brief survey was to ‘expose’ Arminianism to my Calvinistic brethren. We must realize that the battle is not over. We must be sure of our doctrines and let the Scriptures search us out. My intent was not to be too polemical or to alienate brothers in Christ. I believe that [...]
The Reformed Faith and Arminianism: Part I by John Murray
From a series which appeared in The Presbyterian Guardian in 1935-1936. Arminianism derives its name from James Arminius, a minister of the Reformed Church in Holland who lived from 1560 to 1609. He became Professor of Divinity in the University of Leyden, in 1603. It was particularly during the period of his professorial activity at [...]
The Reformed Faith and Arminianism: Part II by John Murray
Limited Atonement The second article of the Arminian Remonstrance of 1610 concerned the question of the extent of the atonement. It reads as follows: ‘Article II. That, agreeably thereto, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, died for all men and for every man, so that he has obtained for them all, by his death [...]
The Reformed Faith and Arminianism: Part III by John Murray
Total Depravity The third of the five points of Arminianism concerns the question of original sin or human depravity. In several of the formal statements of the Arminian position as it bears upon human depravity, the real import of that position is not readily detected. As William Cunningham points out, the controversy when it arose, [...]
Arminian Theory of Redemption – Part I (Lecture 48) by R. L. Dabney
THE subjects which are now brought under discussion introduce us to the very center of the points which are debated between us and Arminians. I propose, therefore, for their further illustration, and because no better occasion offers, to consider here their scheme. Sources of the Arminian Theology The sources of Arminian Theology would be best [...]
Arminian Theory of Redemption – Part II (Lecture 49) by R. L. Dabney
Conditional Decrees are Implied in Synergism THE favorite Arminian dogma, that God’s will concerning the salvation of individuals is conditioned on His simple foresight of their improvement of their common grace, in genuine faith, repentance, and holy obedience, is necessary to the coherency of their system. If grace is invincible, and all true faith, &c., [...]
The ‘god’ of Arminianism by Augustus Toplady
I dare say, that, in such an auditory as this, a number of Arminians are present. I fear, that all our public assemblies have too many of them. Perhaps, however, even these people, idolaters as they are, may be apt to blame, and, indeed, with justice, the absurdity of those who worship idols of silver [...]
Arminian Errors: from the Tract, Another Gospel by William MacLean
The cardinal doctrines of the everlasting gospel which Arminians wrest to their own destruction are: (I) THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD IN HIS GRACE God could have justly left all mankind to perish in their sin and misery, as He left the angels which kept not their first estate, but according to the good pleasure of [...]
Arminianism in the Pilgrimage of the Soul by John Murray
To some it might seem unnecessary and even wickedly controversial to thrust upon readers any discussion of Arminianism. This might appear to be the case for two reasons. First of all, why should we revive ancient controversies and thereby provoke animosities that have long since died the death of old age? Arminianism takes its name [...]
Arminianism and the Atonement by John Murray
Atonement is to be defined in terms of sacrifice, reconciliation, redemption, satisfaction to divine justice, discharge of debt, and thus defined it is for those whom God hath predestinated to life, namely, the elect. They are saved because Christ by his redemptive work secured their salvation. The finally lost are not within the embrace of [...]
