Calvinism and Arminianism…Enemies or Brothers? I love theology… everything about it. The spiritual pursuit of biblical balance by studying and evaluating various verses relating to sound doctrine ignites a passion for truth every time I engage in it. However, as much as I love doctrine, I love Jesus even more! Now, before someone blows a gasket with my last statement, let me say… Jesus can not be reduced to or separated from the disclosure and proclamation of propositional revealed truth.
Truth exists, it is universal, it is absolute, it is knowable, and it is descriptive through language. However, for Christians, truth is also embodied in the person and character of Jesus. When our proclamation and defense of truth abandons the character of Christ, we have failed to biblically proclaim the message. This fact is undeniable. (1Jn. 4:8) And yet, it happens frequently when immature Calvinists and Arminians discuss biblical doctrine. One line zingers and arrogant proclamations against each other seems to be much of the norm, even between those who should be an example because of the responsibility they have in leadership.
Some Calvinists wield the ‘pelagian’ or ‘semi-pelagian’ tag against Arminians with a high minded sneer and smirk. Likewise, Arminians use the ‘fatalism’ tag with equal disdain. When this happens, neither side understands the other one. The use of these tags are revealing truths of the immature character of the one using them. And yes, this includes some of the ‘big leaders’ from each camp.
Sunrise vs. Sunset
Calvinism and Arminianism are the two opposites of the circle we call orthodox evangelical Christian doctrine. Both embrace sufficient explanations of the major points of theology. They are not enemies…except in the contention of those who love division. I like to think of it this way: Calvinists focus on the Sunrise of the life of a Christian… the things which happened before any of us knew it. Arminians focus on the Sunset of the life of a Christian… the things which are certain as our life ends. I know this is over simplification, but let us attempt to walk in the light of the noon of day; that is, equal distance from the sunrise as from the sunset. Balance is always beautiful!
Family Discussions vs. Outreach
The joys and rigorous discussions of these two major views of doctrine are really just family discussions. They are not necessary or profitable for outreach and evangelism, as the mystery of God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Responsibility are both present when we share the Gospel. I’ve seen unbelievers bait evangelists with unnecessary questions which were aimed at creating heated arguments. Keep family discussions within the family. Let outreach focus on man’s need, God’s provision through Jesus, the gospel call of repentance and faith, and the faithfulness of God to save all who respond by grace through faith.
Avoid the traps, recognize the bait, keep the deep discussions within the family and clearly preach the gospel to the lost. As we seek to reach the lost and plant churches, our focus should be to get in alignment with the invitation of the Holy Spirit to the sinner!
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst, Come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17, KJV, emphasis mine)
OK. Your turn…agree or disagree?
Related topics:
Can I know I’m Saved for Sure?
The Three Jewels of Forgiveness
Living Among the Tombs
Great post, Terry. Unrelated: I see the photo of Meridian, MS. What’s your connection? I was born there, I still have a lot of family there, and my parents own a house there. That’s my home.
Thanks Michael. I am an Elder/Pastor at a church in Meridian. When you come home to visit, let me know and we’ll do lunch! I look forward to it. God bless brother…
“Calvinists focus on the Sunrise of the life of a Christian… the things which happened before any of us knew it. Arminians focus on the Sunset of the life of a Christian… the things which are certain as our life ends. ”
Although this may be an over-simplification, I think it is the best explanation I’ve read to describe the relationship between Calvinism and Arminianism.
Terry, I want to echo Eddie’s comment. I like this image for an explanation. Good thinking. I’ll probably end up quoting you on this one.
Can you explain your purpose in emphasizing ‘Spirit’ and ‘bride’ in that verse?
Alex, my emphasis has to do with making the invitation for salvation to the lost in the manner which is used to close out the canon of Scriptures. That is, when the ‘bride’ is yielded to and in tune with the Holy Spirit, our focus for evangelism will simply be to make a clear call for men to freely come to Christ. The exciting, and sometimes intense, discussion of Reformed and Wesleyan doctrines are for those who are saved, while the unregenerate whom God is drawing just want to know ‘how’ to get saved. (Acts 2:37) Hope that helps…
Truth exists, it is universal, it is absolute, it is knowable, and it is descriptive through language. However, for Christians, truth is also embodied in the person and character of Jesus. When our proclamation and defense of truth abandons the character of Christ, we have failed to biblically proclaim the message. This fact is undeniable. (1Jn. 4:8)
Agreed. And, Truth is Christ.
“The thought struck me, How did you come to be a Christian? I sought the Lord. But how did you come to seek the Lord? The truth flashed across my mind in a moment—I should not have sought Him unless there had been some previous influence in my mind to make me seek Him. I prayed, thought I, but then I asked myself, How came I to pray? I was induced to pray by reading the Scriptures. How came I to read the Scriptures? I did read them, but what led me to do so? Then, in a moment, I saw that God was at the bottom of it all, and that He was the Author of my faith, and so the whole doctrine of grace opened up to me, and from that doctrine I have not departed to this day, and I desire to make this my constant confession, “I ascribe my change wholly to God.”"-Spurgeon on calvinism
Weston, beautiful quote from Spurgeon on Calvinism. I see you enjoy the Sunrise!! I let this quote stay, but I do not encourage ‘snipe attacks’ with long quotations and no personal comments. (I’m assuming you were not ‘sniping,’ but I will not approve of these types of posts in the future.)
I have some equally beautiful quotes from Wesley on Arminianism, but you missed the point! My article is not about what each camps says about their own position, but about their view of fellowship, respect and what they say about the other camp. Plus, I do not see either Spurgeon’s or Wesley’s name in Scripture. They were both dear brothers and godly men who have entered their reward, but their writings, as wonderful as they are, are not God’s Word. Thanks for your input, but please stay on topic.
Terry,
The keyword in this post is balance. Balance is a result of spiritual maturity. Balance allows us to put aside our biases and work toward the greater good, expanding God’s kingdom here on earth with the proclamation of truth which is the Gospel of Jesus. Thanks for your view point as it is of edification.
Blessings!
Good post. I tend to enjoy the sunrise myself, but in saying that I 100% agree we should (as brothers and sisters in Christ) be able to live in peaceful fellowship, regardless of which “side” you are. The bottom line is what do we believe about God, about the truth of salvation, how are we applying such truths to our lives, and how are we winning others to the Lord. Regardless of sunrise or sunset, Jesus has commanded us to go and tell the Good News. I feel like if we do what He has commanded us to do and we are faithful…He will take care of the rest. People sometimes get so caught up in these 2 camps and make the Gospel more complicated than needed in my opinion (Arguing over chosen and free will etc…) but I think people tend to over complicate things by being so emphatic about being “right” that they forget the big picture. And people lose sight of the great commission etc… so I agree we should be able to live more peacefully. Doctrine and theology is wonderful and great to discuss. But as long as no one is contradicting Scripture or twisting it to fit their sunrise or sunset views, then we should be able to discuss and live in peace.
Karen,
Well said! BTW, since your phone kept ‘sending’ before finishing your comments…I took the liberty to combine your three posts into one! Thanks for your input and I love your statement about how the 2 camps “make the Gospel more complicated than needed.” I believe you are spot on. I’ve never had a person desiring to surrender their life to Jesus, ask me what I believed concerning ‘election, free will, the sovereignty of God or responsibility of man.’ They just simply wanted to repent and surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior because they realized they needed a redeemer and that Jesus died for them!
We are all to be ‘fishers of men.’ When fishers don’t fish they fight.
Vance…great statement!! I certainly agree and have seen it. Thanks