I would like to explore a matter that you and I have discussed recently about what Dr. Michael Horton said concerning Arminians. In case you don’t remember basically what Dr. Horton said is that although he believes there are many Arminians that are true believers. He also believes that if an Arminian believes Arminianism in their heart of hearts and not out of ignorance concerning the issue, then they are probably not saved.
You said you disagreed because you know of a 5 point Arminian, whom displays the fruit of true salvation such as repentance. You also stated that it is important not to just take someone’s word for things no matter who they are. We must search out the Scriptures to make sure of all things.
I agree with you 100% on that last point, because none of us are right on all points; the scriptures are the only objective truth.
I thought because I have grown to respect you so much that I needed to study this matter further.
Part of that study lead me to an article that compared both the 5 points of Arminianism and the 5 points of Calvinism side by side.
http://www.the-highway.com/compare.htmlPart of that article said the following:
According to Arminianism:
“Salvation is accomplished through the combined efforts of God (who takes the initiative) and man (who must respond) - man's response being the determining factor. God has provided salvation for everyone, but His provision becomes effective only for those who, of their own free will, "choose" to cooperate with Him and accept His offer of grace. At the crucial point, man's will plays a decisive role; thus man, not God, determines who will be recipients of the gift of salvation.”
According to Calvinism:
“Salvation is accomplished by the almighty power of the Triune God. The Father chose a people, the Son died for them, the Holy Spirit makes Christ's death effective by bringing the elect to faith and repentance, thereby causing them to willingly obey the gospel. The entire process (election, redemption, regeneration) is the work of God and is by grace alone. Thus God, not man, determines who will be the recipients of the gift of salvation.”
This is one of the main reasons why I to this point agree with Dr. Horton. I was saved in an Arminian Church, however my understanding was not according to knowledge of Arminian soteriology. It became obvious to me that I was a sinner in need of salvation and I clung to the only source that I knew would give me that salvation; Christ alone.
This is what I believe Dr. Horton meant when he said that he believed that there are many Arminians who are true believers, as opposed to someone who is consistent with their Arminian theology, who in their heart of hearts believe they contribute to their salvation.
As I study the history behind the 5 points of Arminianism and its response at Dordt, where the 5 points were judged as heresy, I am having a hard time not agreeing with Dr. Horton.
In Christ
Tom
