Calvinism and Arminianism
Calvinism and Arminianism are two theological positions which explain the role of people to God. God created the universe and everything which is in it. This means that he is great and wonderful among other attributes. Calvinism is summed up under the TULIP acronym which means “T – Total depravity – sin destroys all human capacity to move towards God, U – Unconditional election – from eternity God elects who will be saved, L – Limited atonement Christ died only for the elect, I – Irresistible grace – the elect cannot reject God’s offer of grace and P – Perseverance of the saints – the elect cannot lose their salvation” (Roberson, n.d). On the other hand, Arminianism states that “Christ died for all (general atonement), Grace can be accepted or rejected by anyone (free will), and Believers can fall from grace if they reject their faith” (Roberson, n.d).
Differences between Calvinism and Arminianism
The Calvinism and Arminianism differ a lot in teachings. The big question which arises and continues to be debated is which between the two is correct. Comparing the two, I think Arminianism if the right one. Considering the Bible, Jesus died for all. John 1:29 says that “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! On John 3.16, God gave the only begotten son to the world because he loved the world. It is clear that Jesus did not die for specific people but for everyone in the world. This promotes an important role of people to God. To be near God one should be saved, and it is through his Son. The blood which Jesus shed on Calvary makes one clean and nearer to God. If a believer wants a favor from God, he/she requests him through praying. By God’s grace, the believer is granted what he has requested from God. God listens to the prayers of the believers who are saved and free from sin only. This means that if one lives a sinful life and he/she is aware of it, it is an act of rejecting the grace of God. This is because the grace of God is always upon the saved and clean people but not sinners. Although people are not right, ‘they fall short of glory’, one is made clean by the blood of Jesus Christ, and if one sins and does not repent, the grace of God will not be upon him/her.
Rejection of Faith
Some people reject the faith. Even though they were once saved, they start living a life which is against the will of God. Others fail also to repent so that God’s grace can be upon them. They start talking about their God and even questioning His power and ability. The Bible is clear that there is no other God in heaven or earth who is mightier than the God of Abraham, Enoch, Shedrack among others. If one starts worshiping other gods apart from the mighty God, it means that he/she has rejected the faith. This also means that God and the angels in heaven will not be happy about it. God cannot bless an individual who rejects his will and this means that his grace cannot be upon him/her.
Comparison to Calvinism
In comparison to Calvinism, Arminianism states that Christ died so that the world can be saved but not the few. This means that God does not choose who should be saved or not. There is always the chance to repent and be close to God after leading a sinful life. It does not mean that if an individual sins, he cannot move towards God. The saved/elect can reject God’s favor if they deny God and live in their own ways, and this makes them lose their salvation.
Reference
Roberson, J. (n.d). Introduction to Christianity (Power Point Slides). Retrieved from https://www.campbell.edu
