The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Arminianism: Dead or Alive?

Kurt,

Unfortunately, I too have found a few "inconsistencies" in what R.C. Sproul, Sr. has written over the years on a particular topic. Obviously, I believe what he wrote in the article, "The Pelagian Captivity of the Church" to be the correct view. However, I think it is more than important to say again, that IF <---- a semi-Pelagian/Arminian REALLY believes in his heart what his theology states, then he/she cannot be saved. Why? Because that individual is resting primarily upon his/her "free-will decision for Christ" rather upon grace alone in Christ alone. Those theologies teach synergism: grace + works (free-will choice) = justification. Only by questioning an individual can one make a reasonably sure determination of that person's spiritual condition/state. So again, if a person's heart (deep conviction) is consistent with his/her head knowledge, if semi-Pelagian/Arminian, then they are not saved.

The hyper-Calvinists you refer to err in making a cart blanc prohibition against any and all who profess semi-Pelagianism or Arminianism as to salvation. They leave no room whatsoever for the exception of someone who meets the criteria above, i.e., their hearts rest squarely and only upon grace alone in Christ alone, despite their embracing doctrines that deny such.

The WCF does not make a clear statement on this issue as does the Canons of Dordt mainly because of the intent in writing the document, i.e., it was not polemic in nature as was the Canons of Dordt. If the writers of the WCF were to include a section on this subject, they would have undoubtedly echoed the Canons of Dordt.

In His grace,