214 – So-called Calvinism, as Opposed to Arminianism

SEMESTER 1

214 – So-called Calvinism, as Opposed to Arminianism

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE:  SOTERIOLOGY I LESSON # 14
SO-CALLED CALVINISM, AS OPPOSED TO ARMINIANISM

INTRODUCTION:

1. As we proceed in the doctrines of salvation it seems essential to define these terms.
2. I feel it should not be necessary, since we should all simply believe the Bible and not be followers of any man.
3. This necessity flows most particularly out of the careless categoriz­ing, misunderstanding and name calling of ignorant men.
4. Sadly, men often use these terms as a form of gossip, having no academic definition of the words.

I. THE NAMES OF TWO MEN

1. John Calvin, founder of Presbyterianism and promoter of many truths and many heresies.
2. James Arminius, a most famous systematizer of the doctrines of “combination salvation.”
3. No Bible believing man would ever be, or want to be, considered a true follower of either man.

II. THE CATEGORIES WERE NOT TO SO INDICATE

1. In the original separating of these schools of thought, all the convic­tions or practices of Calvin or Arminius were never implied.

III: The system of eschatology

2. Nor does any student of anything suppose that either man was the originator of the system named after him.
3. Even the most extreme extensions of both of these philosophies are obvious in the New Testament.

III. IDENTITY OF THE “TWO SYSTEMS”

1. In the basic passing down of the two schools of thought, they were intended to identify the following:

i. Arminianism: A school of religious philosophy which believes that man’s salvation, either in its appropriation or maintenance is a combined, co-operative effort between man and God. (Overlaps with sacerdotalism).
ii. Calvinism: a school of religious thought which holds that salvation is totally of God, in planning, effecting and mainte­nance.

2. It has been said that there is no middle ground, between these schools of thought.
3. This is true only when the philosophies are identified, and not the eroded meaning of the terms.
4. The fact is, however, that so much talk re-defining and mis-defining has taken place, the terms have become unsafe, unfair and unfit to use.

IV. HYPER-CALVINISM

1. The word means above (hyper) that which is identified as Calvinism.
2. That is, not only that salvation is of the Lord, but that it may be carried out without the instrumentality of gospel preaching.
3. It is pure slander and a display of ignorance to ever call an evange­lis­tic, missionary supporting preacher or church “hyper-Calvinist.”
4. It is also slander to call anyone who believes that salvation is all of grace and that the believer is secure, an Arminian.
5. We will never become students of the Bible until we abandon two dangers in this area.

i. The tendency to categorize and ostracize every thought and concept that does not fit the opinions we already hold.
ii. The tendency to surrender to peer pressure, and the neglect of the study and statement of apparent Bible truths, which may be offensive to our friends.

6. Let us proceed with reverent fear toward God, and charity toward our fellow man.