Calvinism or Arminianism: Which is Biblical Christianity?

Major Points of Calvinism (TULIP), their Potential Unbiblical Aspects, and Corresponding Biblical Responses

1. Total depravity: Calvinism teaches that humans are completely sinful and unable to seek God on their own.

Unbiblical aspect: Implies that humanity is utterly devoid of goodness and unable to respond to God's grace.

Biblical response: Jesus called the Pharisees "good" (Matthew 12:35), and Paul acknowledged the existence of natural law and conscience in non-believers (Romans 2:14-15).

2. Unconditional election: Calvinism teaches that God chooses certain individuals for salvation without any conditions or human response.

Unbiblical aspect: Negates the biblical emphasis on faith and repentance as conditions for salvation.

Biblical response: Jesus taught that belief and faith are necessary for salvation (John 3:16, Mark 1:15).

3. Limited atonement: Calvinism teaches that Jesus' atonement is only for the elect.

Unbiblical aspect: Restricts the scope of Jesus' atonement and contradicts biblical teachings on its universal applicability.

Biblical response: Jesus died for the sins of the world (John 1:29, 1 John 2:2), and the gospel is offered to all people (Matthew 28:19-20).

4. Irresistible grace: Calvinism teaches that God's grace is irresistible and overwhelming, negating human free will.

Unbiblical aspect: Undermines the biblical emphasis on human responsibility and the need for a willing response to God's grace.

Biblical response: Jesus invites people to come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30), and the gospel call is a universal invitation (Revelation 22:17).

5. Perseverance of the saints: Calvinism teaches that true believers cannot fall away from salvation.

Unbiblical aspect: Fails to account for biblical warnings against apostasy and the need for continued faith and obedience.

Biblical response: Believers are warned to remain in Christ (John 15:1-6), and the New Testament contains numerous warnings against falling away (Hebrews 6:4-6, 10:26-31).

Major Points of Arminianism

Arminianism is a theological perspective that emphasizes human free will and the universal offer of salvation. Some major points and corresponding biblical responses are discussed below:

1. Conditional election: God chooses those who will believe.

2. Universal atonement: Christ died for all people.

3. Human free eill: People have the ability to accept or reject salvation.

4. Resistible grace: God's grace can be resisted or accepted.

5. Falling from grace: Believers can lose their salvation.

Criticism from Calvinism 

1. Conditional election: Implies that God's choice is based on human decision rather than His sovereign will (Romans 9:11,16).

2. Universal atonement: Contradicts particular redemption (Matthew 1:21, John 10:11).

3. Human free will: Overemphasizes human ability, neglecting total depravity (Romans 3:10-12, 6:23).

4. Resistible grace: Undermines the power of God's grace (Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:4-5).

5. Falling from grace: Contradicts the permanence of salvation (John 10:28-29, Romans 8:38-39).

Biblical Responses

1. Unconditional election (Romans 9:11,16, Ephesians 1:4-5).

2. Particular redemption (Matthew 1:21, John 10:11, Romans 8:33-34).

3. Total depravity (Romans 3:10-12, 6:23, Psalm 51:5).

4. Irresistible grace (Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:4-5, Philippians 2:13).

5. Eternal security (John 10:28-29, Romans 8:38-39, Philippians 1:6).

Arminianism also emphasizes human responsibility and the importance of good works, which can lead to a works-righteousness mentality. This can be seen in their belief that salvation can be lost if one does not continue to faithfulness and good works. Although we are warned to continue in bearing our Christian fruit, and refusal to do so put us at risk of our assurance of salvation, it not our good work that earned us eternal life, but Christ's finished work. 

Biblical Response:

- Salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:28).

- Good works are a fruit of salvation, not a means of achieving or maintaining it (James 2:14-26, Matthew 25:31-46).

- Our righteousness comes from Christ, not our own good works (2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9).

while Arminianism has some biblical elements, its emphasis on human free will and conditional election can lead to a works-righteousness mentality and undermine the sovereignty of God. The biblical responses provided above emphasize the importance of understanding salvation as a gift of grace, received through faith alone, and highlight the sovereignty of God in the process of salvation.

Calvinism or Arminianism: Which is Biblical Christianity?

Both Calvinism and Arminianism have biblical support for their beliefs, but ultimately, biblical Christianity is a matter of interpretation and perspective. A brief comparison is shown below:

Calvinism

- Strongly emphasizes God's sovereignty and election (Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:4-5)

- Emphasizes the total depravity of humanity (Romans 3:10-12, 23)

- Sees salvation as a work of God's grace, irresistible and unmerited (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5)

Arminianism

- Emphasizes human free will and the universal offer of salvation (John 3:16, Revelation 22:17)

- Sees salvation as a work of God's grace, but also dependent on human response (Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34)

- Emphasizes the possibility of falling from grace (Hebrews 6:4-6, 10:26-31).

Biblical Christianity

Biblical Christianity encompasses elements of both perspectives, but ultimately:

- Affirms the sovereignty of God (Isaiah 46:9-10, Psalm 115:3)

- Recognizes human responsibility and free will (Deuteronomy 30:19, Matthew 23:37)

- Emphasizes salvation as a work of God's grace, received through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:28).

Conclusion 

In conclusion, biblical Christianity is not exclusively Calvinist or Arminian but encompasses elements of both, while emphasizing the sovereignty of God, human responsibility, and the grace of salvation.

Some recommended resources for further study include:

- "The Doctrines of Grace" by John MacArthur

- "The Five Points of Calvinism" by Edwin H. Palmer

- "The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination" by Loraine Boettner

- "The Bible Doctrine of Salvation" by Charles Ryrie

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