Calvinism Vs Arminianism

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Comparing and Contrasting Arminianism and Calvinism People who study theology study the nature of God and religious belief. “There are two main camps of theology within Christianity in America today: Arminianism and Calvinism” (The Five). Both of these theological beliefs are systems of biblical interpretation. The basis of the Arminian belief is that a Christian's salvation is obtained by choosing to accept God’s offer of grace on their own. The basis of the Calvinistic belief is that a Christian’s salvation is completely of God and that it is only by his grace that He brings his people to faith and repentance. Though these two beliefs, Arminianism and Calvinism, agree on certain parts of scripture, there are many contrasting views and aspects…show more content…
According to people holding to Arminian views, God’s choice of certain individuals unto salvation was based on his foreseeing that they would respond to his call. People holding to Arminianism basically believe that God looked into the future and saw who would accept him, and therefore made those people his elect. This point is titled “Conditional Election.” The Calvinist would say differently. The Calvinist would look at scripture and say “God’s choice of certain individuals unto salvation before the foundation of the world rested solely on his own sovereign will.” (Hendryx) Basically, Calvinists believe that God’s choice of who he died for on the cross, was not based on anything we did or any decision that we made. God’s choice was based on his own sovereign will. This Calvinistic point is titled, “Unconditional…show more content…
It is very clear that only one of these theological views to the Bible is true, based on their contradictory definitions and beliefs. According to Arminianism, salvation is obtained by the combined efforts of God and man, man’s response being the determining factor. God has provided salvation for everyone, but it is only effective for those who choose on their own to accept it. In the end of this theological point, man, not God, determines who will be the recipients of salvation. According to Calvinism, salvation is obtained only through the mighty power of God. “The Holy Spirit makes Christ’s death effective by bringing the elect to faith and repentance, thereby causing them to willingly obey the gospel” (calvinism vs). This entire process of salvation is by God and his grace alone. In the end, it is God, not man who determines the recipients of the gift of salvation. It is therefore obvious how different these two views are. It is important to take the time to test each point with scripture and see which is true and which is
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