Arminian vs. Calvinist

Attribute	Arminian	Calvinist
Founder	James Arminius	John Calvin
Predestination	Conditional election based on foreknowledge of faith	Unconditional election based on God's sovereign will
Free Will	Belief in libertarian free will	Belief in compatibilist free will
Atonement	Universal atonement for all	Limited atonement for the elect
Perseverance of the Saints	Belief in conditional perseverance	Belief in unconditional perseverance

Introduction

Arminianism and Calvinism are two major theological perspectives within Protestant Christianity that have been the subject of much debate and discussion for centuries. While both traditions share a belief in the sovereignty of God and the authority of Scripture, they differ significantly in their views on predestination, free will, and the nature of salvation.

Predestination

One of the key differences between Arminianism and Calvinism is their understanding of predestination. Calvinists believe in the doctrine of double predestination, which teaches that God has predestined some individuals to eternal life and others to eternal damnation. This view emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the salvation of individuals. In contrast, Arminians reject the idea of double predestination and instead believe in single predestination, which holds that God predestines some individuals to salvation but leaves others free to choose or reject him.

Free Will

Another major point of contention between Arminianism and Calvinism is the issue of free will. Calvinists believe in the doctrine of total depravity, which teaches that human beings are born sinful and incapable of choosing God on their own. As a result, they argue that God must irresistibly draw individuals to himself in order for them to be saved. Arminians, on the other hand, believe in the doctrine of prevenient grace, which teaches that God's grace enables all people to respond to the gospel and choose to follow him. This view emphasizes the importance of human free will in the process of salvation.

Nature of Salvation

Arminians and Calvinists also differ in their understanding of the nature of salvation. Calvinists believe in the doctrine of unconditional election, which teaches that God chooses some individuals for salvation based solely on his sovereign will and not on any merit or foreseen faith on their part. This view emphasizes the grace and sovereignty of God in the salvation of individuals. In contrast, Arminians believe in the doctrine of conditional election, which teaches that God chooses individuals for salvation based on his foreknowledge of their faith and response to the gospel. This view emphasizes the role of human faith and response in the process of salvation.

Perseverance of the Saints

One final point of difference between Arminianism and Calvinism is their views on the perseverance of the saints. Calvinists believe in the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, which teaches that those who are truly saved will persevere in faith and good works until the end of their lives. This view emphasizes the security and certainty of salvation for those who are truly elect. Arminians, on the other hand, believe in the doctrine of conditional perseverance, which teaches that believers can lose their salvation if they fall away from the faith or reject God. This view emphasizes the importance of continued faith and obedience in the Christian life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arminianism and Calvinism are two distinct theological traditions within Protestant Christianity that differ in their views on predestination, free will, the nature of salvation, and the perseverance of the saints. While both perspectives share a common commitment to the sovereignty of God and the authority of Scripture, they offer different interpretations of these key doctrines. Ultimately, the debate between Arminians and Calvinists reflects the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility in the process of salvation.