The Arminian View

[FaithfulPilgrim]

I am curious what verses Arminians (both Wesleyan and Classical) use to defend their soteriological views.

I've tried looking this up on other sites, but the overwhelming majority seem to have a Calvinist bent, so I thought I'd ask here.

Particularly, what verses are cited as evidence for conditional election and how would you refute unconditional election?

What about resistible grace?

What about the doctrine of Holiness (a believer can eventually arrive at a state where he no longer sins while still alive ). I know it probably isn't that popular among Arminians, but those who do believe it, why?

What led you to Arminianism as opposed to Calvinism or Molinism?

 

[Job8]

I am curious what verses Arminians (both Wesleyan and Classical) use to defend their soteriological views.

Here is a website showing verses that support Arminianism.

http://learntheology.com/verses-used-to-support-arminianism.html

I am neither A Calvinist nor an Arminian. Just a Biblicist (since both views have flaws).

 

[Greg J.]

I am curious what verses Arminians (both Wesleyan and Classical) use to defend their soteriological views. ...

What I am curious about is why anyone is a staunch adherent to any human's beliefs.

Take the time to get to know your Savior and he will eventually give you satisfaction for every one of your questions.

Anyone that wants to understand the minimum they can do and still be saved: beware. We are commanded to be devoted to Jesus and loving the Lord is a sign of being saved.

 

[Geralt]

very few would admit they are arminian or embrace that word, they would rather insist discussing about freewill & God reacting/dependent on man's response, that the unregenerate is able to choose God or good and evil, or that the christian-can-fall-away. in other words they like to contrast with the reformed/calvinistic tenets but never admit they are arminian..just evangelical.

 

[kangaroodort]

I am curious what verses Arminians (both Wesleyan and Classical) use to defend their soteriological views.

I've tried looking this up on other sites, but the overwhelming majority seem to have a Calvinist bent, so I thought I'd ask here.

Particularly, what verses are cited as evidence for conditional election and how would you refute unconditional election?

What about resistible grace?

What about the doctrine of Holiness (a believer can eventually arrive at a state where he no longer sins while still alive ). I know it probably isn't that popular among Arminians, but those who do believe it, why?

What led you to Arminianism as opposed to Calvinism or Molinism?

I don't have time to respond specifically to your OP (esp. since it would require a rather lengthy and detailed response), but if you want to see a lot of posts and articles and hundreds of interactions with Calvinists on these subjects, you can reference my site: https://arminianperspectives.wordpress.com/

 

[kangaroodort]

I am curious what verses Arminians (both Wesleyan and Classical) use to defend their soteriological views.

I've tried looking this up on other sites, but the overwhelming majority seem to have a Calvinist bent, so I thought I'd ask here.

Particularly, what verses are cited as evidence for conditional election and how would you refute unconditional election?

What about resistible grace?

What about the doctrine of Holiness (a believer can eventually arrive at a state where he no longer sins while still alive ). I know it probably isn't that popular among Arminians, but those who do believe it, why?

What led you to Arminianism as opposed to Calvinism or Molinism?

I also recommend the Society of Evangelical Arminians (SEA). They also have a FB outreach page where people who are curious can ask such questions and get answers from Arminians. Here is a link to their website: http://evangelicalarminians.org/

Hope that helps.

 

[bling]

I am curious what verses Arminians (both Wesleyan and Classical) use to defend their soteriological views.

I've tried looking this up on other sites, but the overwhelming majority seem to have a Calvinist bent, so I thought I'd ask here.

Particularly, what verses are cited as evidence for conditional election and how would you refute unconditional election?

What about resistible grace?

What about the doctrine of Holiness (a believer can eventually arrive at a state where he no longer sins while still alive ). I know it probably isn't that popular among Arminians, but those who do believe it, why?

What led you to Arminianism as opposed to Calvinism or Molinism?

I do not like “titles” and just talk about beliefs. I do not believe any of the TULIP theology, but also do not embrace the Arminian counter argument.

I would use Christ’s parables about the kingdom like: The “Banquet” parables which show some being invited and refusing the invitation and no one being kidnapped into going to the banquet, the Different Soil parable which Jesus explains, the prodigal son in a dead state (by Jesus’ words) coming to his senses and turning to the father, and Paul’s example Gal. 6: 7-9 where Paul specifically talks about Christians giving up their harvest of eternal life.

 

[Jesus_is_Saint]

Will our theological stand decide our salvation?

 

[Greg J.]

Will our theological stand decide our salvation?

Heh, good question. No, it won't. It depends on what your heart is toward the Lord.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:10, 1984 NIV)

(Btw, mute people are just as easily saved as the next person.)

I am curious what verses Arminians (both Wesleyan and Classical) use to defend their soteriological views.

A little off topic, so I'll be brief: Scripture teaches that both predestination and freewill are true at the same time. When you accept that, your searching for understanding will head off in the right direction. Trying to emphasize one or the other (perhaps by accepting one then trying to explain the other) will slow down getting the answer you seek or leave you confident something incorrect is true.

 

[FaithfulPilgrim]

Heh, good question. No, it won't. It depends on what your heart is toward the Lord.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:10, 1984 NIV)

(Btw, mute people are just as easily saved as the next person.)

A little off topic, so I'll be brief: Scripture teaches that both predestination and freewill are true at the same time. When you accept that, your searching for understanding will head off in the right direction. Trying to emphasize one or the other (perhaps by accepting one then trying to explain the other) will slow down getting the answer you seek or leave you confident something incorrect is true.

I agree with this.

I've thoroughly explored both Calvinism and Arminianism and find myself agreeing with aspects of both. Like you said, both tend to over emphasize free will or predestination and downplay the other.

I identified as a Calvinist for a short time, but I am familiar enough with both sides to point out misrepresentations and clarify misunderstandings on both sides.

Now, I'm not sure which is right, and I no longer care. Both are human systems that put God in a box and it is something that is left to be a mystery. By trying to figure out exactly how salvation works by creating intricate systems is playing God and is not our role in the Faith.

Now, I see nothing wrong with Calvinism and Arminianism as personally held beliefs, I just think denomination should not divide over these things and should not officially promote either view.

For example, I believe in eternal security, total depravity, and Amyraldian election, so I lean Calvinist, but I don't want to be labeled as one and I don't demand that my denomination or congregation teach them. I don't know how predestination and human free will are compatible, they just are.

 

[Skala]

I do not like “titles” and just talk about beliefs. I do not believe any of the TULIP theology, but also do not embrace the Arminian counter argument..

You have it backwards. Historically, Calvinism is the counter argument, as the 5 points of Arminianism were first.

As in, Arminianism as a new idea was presented to the church. A giant council (synod of Dordt) was gathered and the issue was debated for months.

The verdict was that the 5 points of Arminianism were one by one rejected, and statement were issued, affirmations of doctrine which came to be known as the 5 points of Calvinism

 

[tulipbee]

I am curious what verses Arminians (both Wesleyan and Classical) use to defend their soteriological views.

I've tried looking this up on other sites, but the overwhelming majority seem to have a Calvinist bent, so I thought I'd ask here.

Particularly, what verses are cited as evidence for conditional election and how would you refute unconditional election?

What about resistible grace?

What about the doctrine of Holiness (a believer can eventually arrive at a state where he no longer sins while still alive ). I know it probably isn't that popular among Arminians, but those who do believe it, why?

What led you to Arminianism as opposed to Calvinism or Molinism?

seems like arminians will invent anything to flee from unconditional election and irresisable grace. bible does show all men dont want things from God

 

[bling]

seems like arminians will invent anything to flee from unconditional election and irresisable grace. bible does show all men dont want things from God

No some accept the invitation to go to the banquet and others refuse the invitation.

 

[Skala]

I agree with this.

I've thoroughly explored both Calvinism and Arminianism and find myself agreeing with aspects of both. Like you said, both tend to over emphasize free will or predestination and downplay the other.

I identified as a Calvinist for a short time, but I am familiar enough with both sides to point out misrepresentations and clarify misunderstandings on both sides.

Now, I'm not sure which is right, and I no longer care. Both are human systems that put God in a box and it is something that is left to be a mystery. By trying to figure out exactly how salvation works by creating intricate systems is playing God and is not our role in the Faith.

Now, I see nothing wrong with Calvinism and Arminianism as personally held beliefs, I just think denomination should not divide over these things and should not officially promote either view.

For example, I believe in eternal security, total depravity, and Amyraldian election, so I lean Calvinist, but I don't want to be labeled as one and I don't demand that my denomination or congregation teach them. I don't know how predestination and human free will are compatible, they just are.

In my opinion, predestination and election are given way too much credit and time in the discussion.

Predestination is not really all that important in Calvinism, but that's the thing everyone always talks about (and attacks). Predestination is an after-thought. It is a secondary issue. It is a byproduct of the real issue.

In Calvinism, in my opinion, the most important doctrine, and dividing line, is monergistic regeneration.

Regeneration is the most important thing in Calvinism that makes it differ from non-Calvinistic views of soteriology. I always try to swing the conversation in that direction, because it's the most important thing to understand. Once you accept monergism, the rest of the difficult doctrines fall into place because they make sense.

Trying to prove the other reformed doctrines without a reference to monergism is difficult and pointless.

 

[tulipbee]

No some accept the invitation to go to the banquet and others refuse the invitation.

No one gets in heaven without that ticket. All invited gets the ticket. Every ticket will be counted 100%

 

[bling]

No one gets in heaven without that ticket. All invited gets the ticket. Every ticket will be counted 100%

In the parable some refused the invitation and there were no "tickets" mentioned?

 

[Geralt]

Arminianism is God with his fishing rod of prevenient grace waiting for people to bite.

 

[EmSw]

In the parable some refused the invitation and there were no "tickets" mentioned?

Plus, some get kicked out once they accept the invitation.

 

[EmSw]

Arminianism is God with his fishing rod of prevenient grace waiting for people to bite.

So Geralt, have you bitten yet, or have you yet to see the bait?

 

[OzSpen]

I am curious what verses Arminians (both Wesleyan and Classical) use to defend their soteriological views.

I've tried looking this up on other sites, but the overwhelming majority seem to have a Calvinist bent, so I thought I'd ask here.

Particularly, what verses are cited as evidence for conditional election and how would you refute unconditional election?

What about resistible grace?

What about the doctrine of Holiness (a believer can eventually arrive at a state where he no longer sins while still alive ). I know it probably isn't that popular among Arminians, but those who do believe it, why?

What led you to Arminianism as opposed to Calvinism or Molinism?

Are you not aware of the Society of Evangelical Arminians? They have lots of soteriological articles on their website?

See also, 'Calvinism critiqued by a former Calvinist', Steve Jones.

I have written a brief article, Is prevenient grace still amazing grace?

Oz