Calvinism and Arminianism, and

Created Date: 26-Jan-2019
Freewill vs. Predestined

Last updated: 5-Jun-2020
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Sections

1 Summary of the two views 2 Problems in Calvinism and Arminianism
3 Metachoi 4 Predestine vs. Free Will
5 Five Points of Calvinism and Arminianism 6 Christians Can Agree


Summary of the two views

The two views can be summarized as:

Both of these views have some correct views (listed below) but contain false assertions based on incorrect interpretation of the whole Word of God.  There is absolutely nothing that anyone can do to lose their Salvation.  Rewards in Heaven are based on works which has nothing to do with Salvation.

Problems in Calvinism and Arminianism

The person who believes in Calvinism, never has any assurance they are Saved because they will only know if they were Saved if they make it to Heaven.  The Calvinist has to hope and believe that they are Saved.  If they have any period of doubt, then they would feel in their emotions that they were previously not Saved and were not part of the "Elect".  The Elect is a term that classically mean the people that are Saved.

The person who believes in Arminianism, believes "works" are an essential part of keeping Salvation.  If a person doesn't maintain a works path based on some list or on emotional conclusions, then they person would fear that they lost their Salvation.

Metachoi

A person who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior is a Believer.  Metachoi means:

A Believer (metachoi) has:

Predestine vs. Free Will

There are some Christians who have problems in understanding the possibility and the conflicting ability for someone to be Predestined and also have Freewill to choose.  There are many scriptures that point to being predestined and then also having freewill. 

Predestined:
Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Ephesians 1:4-5 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

Freewill:
Joshua 24:15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

God states in Isaiah 46:10 and many other scriptures that He knows the end from the beginning. 

Isaiah 46:8-10 8 “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

The problem of understanding the possible paradox of predestination vs. freewill, will go away when we remember that:

  1. God exists outside of all of His Creations.
  2. God created multiple Dimensions and Time Domains.

Therefore, God knows our eventual choices to select Him, which God initiates, and then the Holy Spirit helps us in our life.

Five Points of Calvinism and Arminianism

Consider for analogy purposes, that those who are employed to detect counterfeit currency.  These counterfeit detectors spend 99% of their time studying the design, marks, colors and placement of special threads in authentic currency.  By knowing what to look for in currency, then the problems in the counterfeit currency should be easily recognized. 

Remember that Jesus Christ died for All and for those who would receive Him would be Saved.  These four Scriptures alone point out part of the problems with both Calvinism and Arminianism.  If Jesus Christ:

then we have reassurance in our Faith!

2 Corinthian
5:14-15		 14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
Hebrews 2:9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,
John 17:12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
John 10:29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

In the list below, the true and false indicators may require the reader to spend more time researching, which is a rewarding pursuit for the Christian when we study the whole Word of God.  If you have not read the topic on Salvation and that Salvation cannot be lost or forfeited, then read them before going looking at the two tables below.

The Calvinistic has an acronym called T.U.L.I.P. which stands for:

# Description Calvinism's explanation Correct? A few Scriptural References
1 Total Depravity mankind is totally depraved TRUE Mark 7:21; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23
2 Unconditional Election God does not choose us for anything that God sees in mankind.  Additionally, God does not select anyone based on someone accepting Jesus Christ in the future. FALSE Partially true but God does see a future for all of mankind that would repent and love Him.  Ephesians 1:4-5
3 Limited Atonement Jesus died only for the "elect" FALSE Hebrews 2:9; John 12:32; Luke 2:10
4 Irresistible Grace When God selects someone, then the person cannot resist the invitation to accept Salvation through Jesus Christ. FALSE Proverbs 1:24-26; John 12:48; 2 Chronicles 36:16; Romans 2:8; John 3:18-19
5 Perseverance of the Saints No one can lose their Salvation. TRUE Salvation Cannot Be Lost

The Arminianism also has five points:

# Description Arminianism's explanation Correct? A few Scriptural References
1 Partial Depravity Mankind will still seek God in the depraved state. TRUE God is revealed in Creation.  When mankind hears the Word Of God, then there is revelation that can be received or rejected.  Romans 1:20; Romans 2:14-15; 2 Timothy 3:16
2 Conditional Election God will only choose those who He knew would accept Him FALSE God reaches out to everyone.  John 3:16
3 Unlimited Atonement Jesus Christ died for everyone even though there are those who would not accept Him TRUE John 3:16; Hebrews 2:9; John 12:32; Luke 2:10
4 Resistible Grace People will still reject God even if God witnesses Himself to all People TRUE Proverbs 1:24-26; John 12:48; 2 Chronicles 36:16; Romans 2:8; John 3:18-19
5 Conditional Salvation Salvation can be lost. FALSE Salvation Cannot Be Lost

What to read next?

What is Salvation?  Is it is possible to lose Salvation?  We have eternal life.  Evolution is not real.  When a Christian suffers is there benefits from it.  Rewards in heaven.  Do we Tithe?  What does the 3rd Commandment tell us?  What is Grace and Mercy?  Is there an Age of Accountability?  Is there a place of unending punishment and exile form God?