Posted on 05/13/2002 10:08:33 PM PDT by drstevej
Summary Evaluation of Arminian Theology
Arminianism stresses a number of important features. The emphasis on man’s responsibility is surely a biblical factor: man must believe to be saved (John 3:16; Acts 16:31, etc.). If man refuses to believe, he is lost (John 5:40; 7:17). Arminianism’s emphasis on the universality of the atonement is also biblical (1 Tim. 4:10; 2 Pet. 2:1; 1 John 2:2).
Several features within Arminianism should be evaluated.
(1) Arminianism denies the imputation of sin; no one is condemned eternally because of original sin. Man is condemned because of his own sins. This appears at variance with Romans 5:12–21.
(2) Though variously interpreted, Arminians generally teach that the effects of the Fall were erased through prevenient grace bestowed on all men, enabling individuals to cooperate with God in salvation. There is, however, no clear indication of this kind of prevenient grace in Scripture.
(3) Arminians teach that the Fall did not destroy man’s free will; furthermore, they teach that prevenient grace moves upon the heart of the unbeliever, enabling him to cooperate with God in salvation by an act of the will. While it is true that man must bear responsibility in responding to the gospel (John 5:40), man’s will has been affected because of the Fall (Rom. 3:11–12; Eph. 2:1); man needs God’s grace in order to be saved (Eph. 2:8; Acts 13:48; 16:14).
(4) Arminians relate predestination to God’s foreknowledge of man’s actions. They stress that God knew beforehand who would believe, and He elected those. In Arminianism, election and predestination are conditioned by faith. The word foreknowledge (Gk. prognosis), however, is basically equivalent to election (cf. Rom. 11:2; 1 Pet. 1:20). The data of God’s foreknowledge originates in advanced planning, not in advanced information.
(5) Arminianism stresses human participation and responsibility in salvation: recognition of sin, turning from sin, repentance, confession, and faith. For Arminianism, repentance involves change of actions, forsaking sins, whereas the biblical word repentance (Gk. metanoia) means “change of mind.” Although the stress on human responsibilities is significant, if it involves multiple conditions for salvation, this stress becomes a serious matter because the purity of salvation-by-grace-alone is then at stake. The sole condition of salvation stressed in scores of Scriptures is faith in Christ (John 3:16, 36; Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:9, etc.).
(6) Arminianism teaches that believers may lose their salvation because the human will remains free and so may rescind its earlier faith in Christ by choosing sin. Frequently this view is based on controversial passages like Hebrews 6:4–6 and 2 Peter 2:20–22. The clear emphasis of Scripture, however, is that the believer has eternal life as a present possession (John 3:16; 1 John 5:11–13) and is kept secure by Christ (John 10:28) because of what He has done (Rom. 5:1; 8:1).
LOL....pretty good idea girl:>)
We can disagree on doctrine (alot:>) and still like each other........I had a purgatory joke to go with asbestos suit comment..and I held back:>)))......
Ummmmmmmm actually Wrigley is very funny...and Jean tries hard too:>))
Ask Jean why sex standing up is unacceptable in the Dutch Reform Church.....he will tell you in FR mail..LOL
See God wringing His hands hoping some man will pick Him...."please man ..over here...pick me"
Has it occured to you that under your belief system the cross may have been of no effect?
With 'my bedroom window'.
Jean
I know what you mean, I 'humor' him frequently.
Jean
-How was copper wire invented?
Two dutchmen fighting over a penny!
-How was the Grand Canyon formed?
A dutchman dropped a nickel in a gopher hole.
-What's the difference between a dutchman at a restruaunt (Russ') and a canoe?
A canoe tips.
(Always remember the old saying -If ya ain't dutch, ya ain't much.)
Jean
My ex acted as if sex in any position was unacceptable. LOL
-How do you get 15 dutchmen in the back of a VW?
Toss a penny in the back seat.
LOL
You'll get more of the "regulars" that way. Then again, maybe you don't want the "regulars..."
I'd rather avoid the 'regulars' myself.
You are very wise.
That was predestined by YOUR free choice:>))
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