Beth-El Baptist Church

05/13/2012

Greg Tomlinson


What is an Arminian?


In contrast to modern Calvinism is modern Arminianism. While Calvinism places more emphasis on the sovereignty of God, Arminianism places more emphasis on the free will of man.


  1. What are the basic tenants of modern Arminianism?

Matthew 11:28 – Conditional Predestination

1 Timothy 2:3-4 – Prevenient grace (given to every human being)

1 John 2:1-2 – Unlimited Atonement

Acts 7:51-53 – Rejectable grace

1 John 3:4 – Sin is a result of an act of will

Hebrews 6:4-6 – Possibility of losing salvation

James 2:20 – Works necessary for salvation

Romans 8:29 – Complete Sanctification


These tenets of Arminianism are in line with mankind having a great degree of freedom of choice in all things, including their eternal state of salvation. Many of these tenets are directly associated with and in contrast to related tenets of Calvinism.


Even amongst those who identify themselves as Arminists disagree on the degree or limit of some of these tenets. For example, there are those who believe in universal salvation and the degree that personal works plays into ones salvation.


  1. What is the extent of the effectiveness of God's saving grace?

Effective only for those who believe

John 3:16-17 John 3:36

Acts 16:30-31 Mark 16:16


The scriptures are very clear. Salvation is only available to those who believe. Without faith in God, there is no salvation.


Effective to all of mankind regardless of whether they believe or not

1 Timothy 4:9-10 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Romans 8:37-39 Ephesians 2:4


The position of universal atonement cannot be backed up biblically unless the scriptures are taken out of context. The general argument is that God is love and for there to be any condemnation by God, then that would sacrifice the loving nature of God. The problem is that this view equates “love” with “approval”. True love must have consequences and judgment. The unbeliever has refused to be in the presence of God so God judges him as such.


  1. What degree do works play in salvation?

Salvation is largely works oriented

Philippians 2:12 Ecclesiastes 12:14

2 Corinthians 5:10


The argument claims that since every human being will be judged according to their works, works must be mandatory in order to be saved.


Works contribute to salvation but not completely dependent on them

James 2:20-22 James 2:25-26


The argument claims that salvation is through faith but that works must contribute since without works, the person's faith is dead or worthless. This would indicate that without works, there is no salvation.


Works contribute nothing to salvation

Galatians 2:16 Romans 4:1-5


Although the none of the Arminian views would believe that Works contribute nothing to salvation, I felt compelled to provide some scriptures that questions the role of works FOR salvation as opposed to works being an outworking OF salvation.