The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Soteriology Questions

hbdan,

What seems to be overlooked is that one would be hard pressed to find a true 'Arminian' among professing Christians today. The overwhelming majority of churches and their members are, in fact, semi-Pelagians... NOT 'Arminians'.

To the first question, I agree with Horton and have said nearly identical words many times elsewhere and here on this board. IF, the typical contemporary professing Christian truly believes in the heart the theology which is in the head, then it is literally impossible for such a person to be saved. Why? Because the Bible's gospel/theology is one of sovereign grace and not man's free-will + God's love. The Scriptures teach: Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus and Soli Deo Gloria. Modern Christianity denies and even hates these grand truths. Too often I have been told that if salvation is God's determination, then that is a God to be totally rejected and never worshiped. The difference between Calvinism and Semi-Pelagianism is that of an impassible gulf; the paradigmatic antithesis. See my article on this matter HERE.

Secondly, there are far too many professors who are not possessors who are members of churches due to the fact that they are the fruit of a non-gospel presented through a psychologically designed methodology. One may look like a Christian on the outside, but inside they are still dead in sin. This applies to professing Calvinists as well as non-Calvinists.

Thirdly, the Whitefield vs. Wesley story has been too often 'hyped' so as to embarrass or ridicule those who believe that doctrine is fundamentally important. It answers all the necessary and critical questions regarding the eternal destiny of one's soul, e.g., Who is God? Who is this Jesus you claim to believe in? What is sin? How are you a sinner; by nature and today? Why are you a Christian? How did you come to be a Christian? etc., etc.

Wesley's 'Arminianism' is a far cry from the theology taught, preached and believed today in the majority of churches, and one which relationally, is to be much preferred. For an excellent assessment and explanation of the difference between Wesleyan (true) Arminianism and modern Fundamentalism (all flavors), see R.C. Sproul's informative article here: The Pelagian Captivity of the Church.