This debate and discussion has been going on for centuries. It has never been resolved and there is no sign that it will stop anytime soon. Talking about it is ok as long as the opposing parties are civil as they present their convictions and interpretation of Scripture. Unfortunately, that seldom happens and the heated arguments mostly come from one side who take an elitist approach. They usually ask, why can’t you see what is so obvious in the Bible? It is now my turn to enter the drama with (hopefully) some balance.
First and foremost, being a Calvinist, or an Arminian will not keep you out of heaven. It is not a matter of sin, more a matter of opinion and personal judgement. Sin can only enter into it when we become proud, hostile, unloving, critical, unforgiving, arrogant, and the list could go on. Let’s provide a very brief summary of the two belief systems, because I find that most people who attend church, do so because the gospel is preached, and those folks who become our friends, show love one to another which is a commandment from Jesus.
The Calvinist basic belief can be summed up that God chooses those who are saved, and once chosen, they cannot and will not ever be lost, no matter what happens to you, or what you do. You have no choice in the matter, and it is binding in this life and the next. John Calvin developed Luther's doctrine of justification by faith alone, into an emphasis on the sovereign grace of God and centres on the doctrine of predestination. Thousands have come to faith through the preaching and teaching of Godly Calvinist men and women.
The Arminian basic belief is that God gave the human race free will to accept or reject His gift of salvation, and that the gift is binding for as long as you continue to believe in Jesus as the author of your salvation, have confessed and repented of your sin and turned your life around to follow Him. Therefore it is possible to reject the gift, and later accept it while maintaining a firm belief in God’s grace and sovereignty. Arminianism is based on the beliefs of the Dutch Reformed theologian Jacobus Arminius who lived at the same time as Calvin. They knew each other but Calvin forcibly dismissed all other theological views to the cost of Arminius’ health, who died a broken man. John Wesley notably advocated this theology and preached it across the country bringing many souls into the Kingdom as have many others since.
Both sides can and do present Scripture verses which support their own view which in essence are poles apart in theology. So, what to believe? In many ways it can come down to your own reading and understanding of Scripture. All of Scripture that is, and not selective verses. Of course, that means making your mind up, by reading and studying the whole Word of God. It is wrong to take a position based on the say so of someone else’s opinion of what the Bible means to them, no matter how sincerely they present their view. These are only opinions, and we are all allowed to have those, and still maintain our salvation.
So, Calvinist or Arminian, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and bear His name. We should do so with care and grace because we are collectively under scrutiny by the world who already know what a Christian should look like. I pray we are all worthy of His name.
Therefore, my beloved, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12
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