The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum "Is Calvinism the Gospel?"

I agree that the term "Arminian" as used in the article is a misnomer. But, I do understand that most who are not 'schooled' theologically aren't aware of the distinctions between Pelagianism, semi-Pelagianism and Arminianism. The popular use of the term "Arminian" to describe the majority of Evangelicals really represents "semi-Pelagian" beliefs. A very informative article that most would do well to read is The Pelagian Captivity of the Church, by R.C. Sproul, Sr.

True, if the term "Arminian" is understood historically, i.e., as stated in the original Arminian "Remonstrance" submitted and debated at the Synod of Dordt (1618-1619). However, rarely would you find this view espoused today. Perhaps there are still some classic Methodists who still hold this view. But the majority of modern Protestant churches, being semi-Pelagian, believe that fallen man, in and of himself is capable of believing upon Christ with his innate "free-will".


Methinks this is saying the same thing, i.e., God chose those who would believe. The 'cause' of the belief is of no consequence as distinguished between Arminianianism and semi-Pelagianism. Here is the actual statement as found in the "Remonstrance":

Article I
That God, by an eternal, unchangeable purpose in Jesus Christ his Son, before the foundation of the world, has determined, out of the fallen, sinful race of men, to save in Christ, for Christ's sake, and through Christ, those who, through the grace of the Holy Ghost, shall believe on this his Son Jesus, and shall persevere in this faith and obedience of faith, through this grace, even to the end; and, on the other hand, to leave the incorrigible and unbelieving in sin and under wrath, and to condemn them as alienate from Christ, according to the word of the gospel in John iii. 36: 'He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him,' and according to other passages of Scripture also.

Both systems deny UNconditional Election as a consequence of an eternal PREdestination and in contradistinction, posit "POSTdestination". They both hold that God predestines and elects after the fact of faith having been exercised.

1. The "Claim" is 100% accurate. Faith in Christ is absolutely necessary unto salvation in the Arminian schema. It is the view of some semi-Pelagians, including Roman Catholicism, that God can and does save some outside of Christ, e.g., God judges men's performance of morality according to the "light of nature" which they have. One of the leading proponents of this view is Billy Graham, who also adds a "second chance" theology into the mix.

2. In the Arminian system, God does NOT save everyone redemption is applied to. Article 5 of the Remonstrance states that it may be possible for a true believer to fall away from grace and perish. The Arminians were not absolutely sure that all who have been saved will infallibly persevere to the end and receive eternal life. I can provide the exact words of "Article 5" if needed.

Perhaps hypothetically there were some Arminians who held that God CAN regenerate a sinner with or without faith being exercised. But the official position of the "Remonstrance" is that regeneration follows faith. This was soundly rejected in the Canons; "Third and Fourth Head of Doctrine, Articles 11-13". What the Arminians' position declared is that God provides a universal "prevenient grace" to all and which must then be either used or resisted in order to believe. And, upon exercising faith in Christ, the Spirit regenerates the soul. (cf. "Remonstrance: Article IV")

See my response to the previous "Claim". "Saving grace" in the Arminian view is granted AFTER and upon CONDITION of a sinner choosing to use Prevenient grace and thus believing upon Christ as a free-will choice. The, "saving grace" in Arminianism is no grace at all, but rather a reward for believing. And "believing/faith" becomes a work. (See my article, Do You REALLY Believe that Salvation is by Grace Alone?).

I do not know how familiar the author of the article is concerning classic Arminianism. But I am quite familiar with the "Quinquarticular Controversy", aka: "Canons of Dordt" of 1618-19 and the history which preceded it since I did my Master's Thesis on this subject. The full "Canons of Dordt with Rejection of Errors" can be found HERE.