5 Fundamental Distinctions Between Arminianism and Calvinism

Arminianism and Calvinism are two prominent theological systems within Christianity, each with distinctive views on salvation, human agency, and God's nature. Understanding their key differences can provide a deeper understanding of Christian beliefs and practices.

1. Human Nature and Free Will

Calvinism:
- Affirms that humans are inherently depraved and unable to choose God independently.
- Believes that the human will is enslaved to sin, requiring God's grace to respond to salvation.

Arminianism:
- Asserts that humans retain the ability to freely choose between good and evil.
- Maintains that sinners have the freedom to cooperate with or resist God's grace.

2. Election

Calvinism:
- Emphasizes unconditional election, whereby God sovereignly chooses individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world.
- Believes that election is based solely on God's will, not on foreseen faith.

Arminianism:
- Proposes conditional election, where God chooses those who he knows will freely believe in Christ.
- Argues that election is based on God's foreknowledge of an individual's response to grace.

3. Atonement

Calvinism:
- Adheres to the doctrine of limited atonement, stating that Christ's sacrifice was intended specifically for the elect.
- Believes that the benefits of Christ's death, including faith, are limited to those chosen by God.

Arminianism:
- Advocates universal redemption, asserting that Christ's death made salvation possible for all but did not guarantee it for anyone.
- Maintains that the effectiveness of Christ's atonement is contingent upon individual belief.

4. Role of the Holy Spirit

Calvinism:
- Affirms that the Holy Spirit's work is irresistible.
- Believes that the Spirit draws the elect to Christ, causing them to believe and repent.

Arminianism:
- Argues that the Holy Spirit's work can be resisted.
- Maintains that individuals have the freedom to reject the Spirit's call.

5. Perseverance of Saints

Calvinism:
- Asserts that those who are truly saved will never lose their salvation.
- Believes that God preserves believers in faith and ensures their eternal security.

Arminianism:
- Allows for the possibility of falling away from faith.
- Suggests that believers can lose their salvation if they fail to maintain their commitment to Christ.

Advice for Understanding Calvinism and Arminianism

1. Understand Total Depravity: Calvinism teaches that humans are unable to choose good apart from God's grace.
2. Recognize Unconditional Election: God sovereignly chooses who will be saved, not based on their actions.
3. Know Limited Atonement: Christ's death was intended to save only the elect.
4. Experience Irresistible Grace: The Holy Spirit's work cannot be resisted, and it leads the elect to Christ.
5. Believe in Perseverance of the Saints: Once God chooses someone, they cannot lose their salvation.
6. Remember Human Responsibility: While God is sovereign, humans are still held responsible for their sins.
7. Understand the Conditional Nature of Salvation: Arminianism teaches that salvation can be lost if faith is not maintained.
8. Embrace God's Unconditional Love: God loves all people, regardless of their belief.
9. Recognize the Gift of Faith: Calvinism sees faith as a gift from God given to the elect.
10. Apprehend the Progressive Nature of Sanctification: In Arminianism, sanctification is a gradual process.
11. Seek Assurance of Salvation: Both theologies believe that Christians can have assurance of their salvation.
12. Rely on God's Preservation: Calvinists believe that God preserves the elect from falling away.
13. Value Eternal Security: Calvinism teaches that those who are truly saved are eternally secure.
14. Recognize the Role of Perseverance: In Calvinism, perseverance is a gift from God that keeps the elect from falling away.
15. Understand the Watershed Difference: The key distinction lies in whether faith is primarily initiated by God or by human will.

1. What is the key difference between Calvinism and Arminianism?

Calvinism emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation, while Arminianism emphasizes human responsibility.

2. How do Calvinists and Arminians view human nature?

Calvinists believe humans are totally depraved, while Arminians believe humans have some ability to choose good.

3. How do Calvinists and Arminians understand election?

Calvinists believe God unconditionally chooses who will be saved, while Arminians believe God chooses based on foreseen faith.

4. What is the difference in their views on atonement?

Calvinists believe Christ's death only secures salvation for the elect, while Arminians believe it makes salvation possible for all.

5. How do Calvinists and Arminians view the role of the Holy Spirit?

Calvinists believe the Holy Spirit's work is irresistible, while Arminians believe it can be resisted.