Calvinism v Arminianism
A recent article in 'Christianity' magazine indicates that this debate is likely to resurface. Is it important? Does it make any difference to the 'ordinary' Christian? What is the difference anyway?
Calvinism is known by an acronym: T.U.L.I.P.
Total Depravity (also known as Total Inability and Original Sin)
Sin has affected all parts of man. The heart, emotions, will, mind, and body are all affected by sin. We are completely sinful. We are not as sinful as we could be, but we are completely affected by sin.
Unconditional Election
God does not base His election on anything He sees in the individual. He chooses the elect according to the kind intention of His will without any consideration of merit within the individual. Nor does God look into the future to see who would pick Him. Also, as some are elected into salvation, others are not.
Limited Atonement (also known as Particular Atonement)
Jesus died only for the elect.
Irresistible Grace
When God calls his elect into salvation, they cannot resist.
Perseverance of the Saints (also known as Once Saved Always Saved)
You cannot lose your salvation. Because the Father has elected, the Son has redeemed, and the Holy Spirit has applied salvation, those thus saved are eternally secure.
Arminianism
Partial Depravity
Humanity has been tainted deeply by sin but not to the extent that we are unable to choose, of our own free will, whether to acceprt Christ or not.
Conditional Election
God chose those who he knew would accept him anyway.
Unlimited Atonement
Jesus' death means that potentially everyone can be saved, although many will reject the offer of salvation.
Resistable Grace
People can resist God's call to salvation.
Conditional Salvation
Christians can lose their salvation if they fall away from God or return to persistant habitual sin.
Taken from Christianity, May 2008, 'The Debate that won't die', by Dave Roberts.
Also see www.nazarene.org. Click on visitor centre and then articles of faith.
What do you think?
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