Theological Ramblings

This is Part 2 of my discussion on Calvinism. To start at the beginning, please search for the post entitled ‘Our DNA’ or go to the category entitled ‘Calvinism’ and find the beginning.

What do I mean by “The Arminian”?? I know some people are going to be offended because I don’t always use the term correctly. An Arminian is a follower of the teachings of Jacobus Arminius - a former student of Theodore Beza, who succeeded John Calvin. Now you’re scratching your head. If Arminius studied under Calvin’s successor, why the controversy today? Arminius didn’t like the teachings of Calvinism. He left Geneva and began preaching against Calvin’s followers.

The followers of Calvin produced a document (the name of which is unknown to me) which codified the beliefs of Calvinists and it is from this document that we inherit the TULIP acronym for the doctrines:

T - Total Depravity; Romans 1-5
U - Unconditional Election; Romans 9
L - Limited Atonement; Rom 3:25-26; John 10
I - Irresistible Grace; John 6,10
P - Perseverance of the Saints; Romans 8, Phil 1:6

An Arminian then would reject these doctrines out right, and would effectively deny God’s Sovereignty as having any importance to even rival man’s freedom in salvation. Thus they would reject election and even eternal security.

That is not what I mean by Arminian on this site. For the purposes of this site, and the Calvinism discussion, an Arminian (or The Arminian or Arminians) is anyone who is less than a five point Calvinist. I firmly believe that the five doctrines of Calvin are solidly Scriptural and have believed at least the spirit of them since long before I even heard the name Calvin. In my mind, God’s eternal glory and power are of such great import that my freedom does not matter. I consider it very arrogant for anyone to stand in the face of God and claim any sort of right which God has not given him. I detest the word ‘deserve’ for if everyone got what he deserved he would be currently rotting in Hell.

The doctrines of Calvin are infinitely precious for they are all of Grace. They describe how a Holy God justifies Himself and makes His name known by vindicating His people. The Arminian is one who denies this to at least an extent. Most of the people I have met are Arminians (by this definition). I do not say this to say that they are heretics or ungodly. I simply use this as a differentiation between my position and those with whom I have interacted, many of whom I love and agree with 95%, but I simply want to express my thoughts on the 5% fully, so I must make a division just for the sake of my discussion. This is not meant to offend.

Perhaps I shouldn’t use the word Arminian because some would consider it loaded, but it’s a whole lot faster and easier to type than anything I have ever heard suggested as a substitute. If anyone would like to suggest substitutes I will gladly take them into consideration, as it would be more optimal to have a non-loaded term.

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