Arminianism vs. Calvinism

Attribute	Arminianism	Calvinism
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 throughout history. While both traditions share a belief in the sovereignty of God, 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. Calvinism teaches the doctrine of double predestination, which holds that God has predestined some individuals to eternal life and others to eternal damnation. This means that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be lost, with no possibility of changing their fate. In contrast, Arminianism rejects the idea of double predestination and instead emphasizes single predestination, which asserts that God predestines some individuals to salvation but leaves others free to choose whether to accept or reject his offer of grace.

Free Will

Another major point of contention between Arminianism and Calvinism is the issue of free will. Calvinism teaches the doctrine of total depravity, which asserts that as a result of the fall, human beings are completely incapable of choosing God or doing anything good on their own. Therefore, God must irresistibly draw them to himself in order for them to be saved. In contrast, Arminianism affirms the doctrine of free will, which holds that human beings have the ability to choose whether to accept or reject God's offer of salvation. While they acknowledge the effects of sin on humanity, Arminians believe that God's grace enables individuals to respond to his call and accept salvation through faith.

Salvation

Salvation is another area where Arminianism and Calvinism diverge in their beliefs. Calvinism teaches the doctrine of unconditional election, which asserts that God chooses some individuals for salvation based solely on his sovereign will, without regard to any merit or foreseen faith on their part. Those who are elected by God will inevitably be saved, while the rest are left to face eternal damnation. On the other hand, Arminianism teaches the doctrine of conditional election, which holds that God's choice of individuals for salvation is based on his foreknowledge of their faith and response to his grace. In this view, God's election is contingent upon human faith, and individuals have the ability to resist or accept his offer of salvation.

Perseverance of the Saints

One final point of difference between Arminianism and Calvinism is their views on the perseverance of the saints. Calvinism teaches the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, also known as "once saved, always saved," which asserts that those who are truly saved will persevere in faith until the end and cannot lose their salvation. This belief is based on the idea that God's grace is irresistible and that those who are truly elect will inevitably be preserved by him. In contrast, Arminianism teaches the doctrine of conditional perseverance, which holds that while believers are secure in their salvation, they have the ability to fall away from grace through unbelief or disobedience. This view emphasizes the importance of continuing in faith and obedience in order to remain in a state of salvation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arminianism and Calvinism are two distinct theological traditions within Protestant Christianity that differ in their views on predestination, free will, salvation, and the perseverance of the saints. While both perspectives affirm the sovereignty of God, they approach these doctrines in different ways, leading to significant theological differences. Ultimately, the debate between Arminianism and Calvinism highlights the complexity of understanding God's sovereignty and human responsibility in the context of salvation.