Understanding Calvinism and Arminianism: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Major Christian Theological Frameworks

In an attempt to explain the relationship between God's sovereignty (His complete control) and man's responsibility in relationship to the all-important topic of salvation, two different approaches were formulated: Calvinism from the study of John Calvin and Arminianism named after Jacobus Arminius. Both theologians lived in the 1500s and followed the Protestant reformation spearheaded by Martin Luther. The doctrinal points in both positions have biblical foundations, which have shaped theological discussions and influenced Christian thought ever since.

Core Differences in Theological Perspectives

The ongoing debate has been divisive as it deals with concepts that go far beyond human comprehension in trying to explain an infinitely mysterious God. However, by gaining a deeper understanding of these two theological frameworks, Christians can engage in more informed conversations and appreciate the rich diversity of perspectives within the Protestant tradition in their quest for a deeper understanding of God's nature and His interaction with humanity.

The Calvinist teaching (also termed "doctrines of grace") considers God is in complete control over everything that happens in the universe, with Him knowing everything that will happen because He planned it and is the ultimate and deciding factor in the salvation of individuals. The Arminian belief is that although God is sovereign, He has limited control in relation to man's freedom and so their response to God's grace is the deciding factor.

Calvinism: The Doctrines of Grace

Calvinism centers on the supreme sovereignty of God, predestination, the Total depravity of man, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and the Perseverance of saints – referred to as the TULIP acronym. They believe in total depravity because of original sin and the fallen nature of humanity, emphasizing that individuals are incapable of saving themselves, asserting that salvation depends entirely on God's sovereign choice, irrespective of any decision-making or merits of those individuals.

They hold that Jesus' death and sacrifice were explicitly for the elect (a predetermined number of people chosen by God's mercy alone), with those called to salvation unable to resist God's grace. This grace is not dependent on human effort or decisions; instead, this divine act guarantees the salvation of the elect, teaching the perseverance of those who possess true saving faith will persevere until the end and so cannot lose their salvation (often termed "once saved, always saved").

Arminianism: Free Will and Conditional Salvation

In contrast, the Arminian teaching is of partial depravity where although humanity is sinful, with the help of God's grace, they are still able to seek Him and respond to the influence of the Spirit. They emphasize conditional predestination whereby individuals must exercise their responsibility and free will to respond and cooperate with God's calling and accept salvation with no one predetermined for heaven or set on a path to inevitable salvation.

They teach Jesus died for even those who are not "chosen" and who will not believe – termed universal or unlimited atonement. Another belief is resistible grace, where because of human free will, God's call to be saved can be and often is rejected. This also relates to conditional salvation where even after being saved, individuals can turn away, so potentially losing their salvation through willful rejection.

Looking deeper

Different denominations and as individuals too, we disagree over which points are correct, rejecting all or some of either system. Whatever our particular views, we must understand salvation is a gift of God's grace to us sinful humanity and we must do all we can to ensure we reach heaven. Scripture is always true, even when our frail human minds have trouble understanding how the assorted truths it presents fit together.

The Scriptures that seem to support the Calvinist view of God's sovereignty are true as are those that seem to support the Arminian view of man's free will. As believers in the one true God, we are to, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Eph 4:3). While there are reservations with both major viewpoints, generally Calvinism is considered more in agreement with the overall teaching of Scripture than Arminianism.

Reflection and Application:

Consider how both theological frameworks emphasize God's grace, though they differ in their understanding of human response to that grace.
Reflect on the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility in your own faith journey.
Recognize that sincere Christians can hold different views on these complex theological matters while maintaining unity in Christ.
Remember that salvation ultimately depends on God's grace, regardless of the theological framework through which we understand it.