A question

[sarahbug]

This has probably been asked before, so if there is another thread about it, just point me in the right direction.

What is the difference between Calvinism and Armenianism(sp)? Also, does reformed Christianity fit in there soemwhere?

Thanks.

 

[Colabomb]

This has probably been asked before, so if there is another thread about it, just point me in the right direction.

What is the difference between Calvinism and Armenianism(sp)? Also, does reformed Christianity fit in there soemwhere?

Thanks.

Calvinism teaches that eons in eternity ago, God chose who would be Saved, and who would not.

According to Calvinism, if you are not elect, you have no chance for Salvation. And if you are Elect, you cannot choose against Christ. Calvinism also teaches that God only died for the Elect (Limited Atonement) and not for the whole world.

Arminianism teaches that Christ gives men an equal chance for Salvation and that He died for all men.

I am an Arminian.

The term Reformed usually (but not always) refers to Calvinism.

 

[sarahbug]

Thank you Colabomb. That helped me a lot.

 

[Colabomb]

Thank you Colabomb. That helped me a lot.

You are welcome!

 

[BBAS 64]

This has probably been asked before, so if there is another thread about it, just point me in the right direction.

What is the difference between Calvinism and Armenianism(sp)? Also, does reformed Christianity fit in there soemwhere?

Thanks.

For your reading pleasure:

http://www.christianforums.com/t71823


For His Glory Alone!

BBAS

 

[sarahbug]

Thank you BBAS, looks like some good reading.

 

[Reformationist]

According to Calvinism, if you are not elect, you have no chance for Salvation.

Sarahbug, just for clarification, the Calvinist view of the reprobate (those who are not elected by God unto salvation) is that it is only by the grace of God that man ever desires to serve the Lord. If God does not give unregenerate man that grace, which is called the grace of regeneration, then unregenerate man will remain dead in their trespasses and sins with no desire to submit to God. Those whom the Lord does regenerate are indwelt by His Spirit and it is this indwelling that changes their desire from serving the prince of the power of the air to that of a child of God who desires to serve the Lord in obedience.

And if you are Elect, you cannot choose against Christ.

Again, for clarity, God does not remove man's natural ability to choose against Christ. He just continues to conform man and strengthen his faith and desire to obey the Lord. So, as regenerate man is sanctified his desires become more focused on pleasing the Lord. The truth of our fallenness is that it is so pervasive and sin is so subtle that every time we sin we are, essentially, choosing against Christ. The wonderfulness of the Gospel is that though He allows us to continue to break His Law, though not with impunity, the sacrifice of Christ was so efficacious in appeasing the wrath of God those sins no longer lead to death.

Calvinism also teaches that God only died for the Elect (Limited Atonement) and not for the whole world.

Calvinism, and orthodox reformed Christianity in general, teach that though Christ's death was limited in purpose/intent it was not limited in value.

God bless

 

[sarahbug]

Thanks Reformationist. So, from the Calvinism point of view, only the elect ever have the desire to know God? And if someone goes through their whole life wanting nothing to do with God or doesn't even believe he exists, they are not part of the elect? Trying to make sure I understand.

 

[Reformationist]

Thanks Reformationist. So, from the Calvinism point of view, only the elect ever have the desire to know God? And if someone goes through their whole life wanting nothing to do with God or doesn't even believe he exists, they are not part of the elect? Trying to make sure I understand.

If you mean they never develop a desire to obey God until they die that would be my guess. Of course, we must temper this with the understanding that the salvitic disposition of others is something we are not expected to know. Many Christians have a difficult enough time trying to figure out if they, themselves, are saved. I think it's a safe assumption though for the scenario you laid out. God's children desire to know Him on an intimate level. If one never does then it's likely because they aren't His children.

God bless

 

[sarahbug]

Thank you, that does help me understand it more.

 

[Reformationist]

Thank you, that does help me understand it more.

Your welcome. Happy Holidays.

God bless,
Don