The Chilling Effect: From Covenant To Arminianism

Arminianism is a system of belief that attempts to explain the relationship between God's sovereignty and mankind's free will, especially in relation to salvation. Named after the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius, Arminianism is a movement of Protestantism that emerged in the early 17th century, based on Arminius' theological ideas. The fundamental principle of Arminianism is the rejection of predestination and the affirmation of the freedom of the human will. Arminianism emphasizes the responsibility of man, in contrast to Calvinism, which emphasizes the sovereignty of God. While Arminianism and Calvinism share many theological doctrines, they differ significantly in their understanding of divine predestination, the nature of election, the nature of grace, and perseverance in faith.

The origins of Arminianism

Arminianism is a movement of Protestantism initiated in the early 17th century, based on the theological ideas of the Dutch Reformed theologian Jacobus Arminius and his historic supporters known as Remonstrants. Arminius was a Dutch pastor and theologian who was taught by Theodore Beza, Calvin's hand-picked successor. However, after examining the scriptures, he rejected his teacher's theology, which stated that it is God who unconditionally elects some for salvation. Instead, Arminius proposed that the election of God was of believers, thereby making it conditional on faith.

Arminianism was originally articulated in the Remonstrance (1610), a theological statement submitted to the States General of the Netherlands. This expressed an attempt to moderate the doctrines of Calvinism related to its interpretation of predestination. Arminius presented his theology to magistrates of the States General of the Netherlands in The Hague in his Declaration of Sentiments (1608). After his death in 1609, his followers continued to advance his theological vision, crafting the Five articles of Remonstrance (1610), in which they expressed their points of divergence from the stricter Calvinism of the Belgic Confession. This is how Arminius's followers were called Remonstrants.

Arminianism has its roots in the controversy that the Latin Church Father Augustine engaged in with the British monk Pelagius in the fifth century. However, the nickname Arminianism refers us directly to the system of religious doctrine expounded by Jacob Arminius (who Latinized his name from Jacob Hermann). Arminius was a professor of Divinity at the University of Leyden, and his teachings can be found in his writings.

Arminianism is associated with Jacobus Arminius, but it did not begin with him. Before the Reformation, groups like the Waldensians similarly affirmed individual freedom over any predetermined predestination. Anabaptist theologian Balthasar Hubmaier also promoted much the same view as Arminius nearly a century before him. The soteriological doctrines of Arminianism and Anabaptism are roughly equivalent. In particular, Mennonites have been historically Arminian whether they distinctly espoused the Arminian viewpoint or not, and rejected Calvinist soteriology. Anabaptist theology seems to have influenced Jacobus Arminius. At least, he was "sympathetic to the Anabaptist point of view, and Anabaptists were commonly in attendance on his preaching."

The core beliefs of Arminianism

• Rejection of Predestination: Arminianism rejects the idea of predestination, emphasizing the freedom of human will. Arminians believe that God's decree of predestination is conditional, not absolute, and that individuals have the ability to choose their spiritual path.
• Universal Atonement: Arminianism asserts that Jesus Christ's death was for all people, offering salvation to everyone. This belief is often referred to as "unlimited atonement" or "universal redemption."
• Need for God's Help: While acknowledging that humans require God's help to attain faith and salvation, Arminianism maintains that individuals cannot be saved solely by God's grace. It emphasizes the necessity of human effort and response in cooperation with God's grace.
• Resistible Grace: According to Arminianism, God's call to salvation can be resisted or rejected. This belief contrasts with the Calvinist view of irresistible grace, where God's grace is seen as invincible.
• Conditional Election and Salvation: Arminianism holds that God "chooses" individuals for salvation based on His foreknowledge of their belief. It also suggests that Christians can lose their salvation if they actively reject the Holy Spirit's influence.
• Partial Depravity: Arminianism teaches that humanity is tainted by sin but not to the extent that they cannot choose to seek God and accept salvation with the help of God's prevenient grace. This belief differs from the Calvinist concept of total depravity.
• Synergistic Salvation: Arminianism views salvation as a combined effort of God and humans. While God takes the initiative, individuals must respond with their free will, making their choice the determining factor in their salvation.
• Falling from Grace: Arminians believe that those who are truly saved can still lose their salvation by failing to maintain their faith. However, there is disagreement among Arminians on this point, with some holding the belief of eternal security.

Arminianism vs Calvinism

Arminianism and Calvinism are two systems of theology that attempt to explain the relationship between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility in the matter of salvation. Both are named after their originators: Arminianism after Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609) and Calvinism after French theologian John Calvin (1509-1564).

Arminianism emphasizes the responsibility of man, while Calvinism emphasizes the sovereignty of God. Arminianism holds that humanity is tainted by sin but still able to seek God and accept salvation with the help of prevenient grace from God. In other words, humans have free will and the power to yield to the influence of the Spirit. On the other hand, Calvinism asserts that every aspect of humanity is corrupted by sin, and therefore, humans are unable to come to God on their own accord without God's special work of grace to change their hearts.

• Election: Arminianism believes in conditional election, meaning that God "chooses" only those whom He knows will choose to believe. This is based on God's foreknowledge of those who would believe in Him through faith. In contrast, Calvinism holds to the doctrine of unconditional election, stating that God elects individuals to salvation based entirely on His will and not on any inherent worth or act performed by the individual.
• Atonement: Arminianism espouses unlimited atonement, believing that Jesus died for all of humanity, and anyone can be saved by belief in Him. Calvinism, however, teaches limited atonement, asserting that Jesus only died for the elect.
• Grace: Arminianism views God's grace as resistible, meaning that individuals can resist and reject God's call to be saved. Calvinism, on the other hand, believes in irresistible grace, arguing that when God calls a person to salvation, that person will inevitably come to salvation.
• Salvation: Arminianism holds to conditional salvation, suggesting that Christians can lose their salvation if they actively reject the Holy Spirit's influence in their lives. However, it is important to note that not all Arminians agree on this point, with some holding to the belief of eternal security. Calvinism, on the other hand, emphasizes the perseverance of the saints, stating that those who are elected by God will persevere in faith and will not permanently deny or turn away from Christ.

In summary, the key difference between Arminianism and Calvinism lies in their understanding of how individuals move from spiritual unbelief to heartfelt belief or faith in Christ. Arminianism emphasizes the role of human free will in salvation, while Calvinism underscores God's sovereignty and predestination.

The spread of Arminianism

Arminianism, a movement of Protestantism initiated in the early 17th century, is based on the theological ideas of the Dutch Reformed theologian Jacobus Arminius and his historic supporters, the Remonstrants. Arminius' beliefs were influenced by Anabaptist theology, and he was taught by Theodore Beza, Calvin's hand-picked successor. However, after examining the scriptures, Arminius rejected his teacher's theology and proposed that God's election was conditional on faith.

Arminius presented his theology to magistrates of the States General of the Netherlands in The Hague in 1608, in a document called the Declaration of Sentiments. After his death in 1609, his followers crafted the Five Articles of Remonstrance (1610), which expressed their points of divergence from the stricter Calvinism of the Belgic Confession. This is how Arminius's followers became known as Remonstrants.

Arminianism spread to England, where it was held by Arminian Puritans such as John Goodwin, and High Anglican Arminians such as Jeremy Taylor and Henry Hammond. Arminianism was also dominant in the Church of England for around 50 years after the Restoration (1660). Arminianism was also embraced by the Baptists in the 17th century, the Methodists in the 18th century, and the Pentecostals in the 20th century.

The first Baptists were Arminians, and the Baptist movement originated with Thomas Helwys, who returned to London to start the first English Baptist Church in 1611. Later, General Baptists such as John Griffith, Samuel Loveday, and Thomas Grantham defended a Reformed Arminian theology that reflected the Arminianism of Arminius. The General Baptists encapsulated their Arminian views in numerous confessions, the most influential of which was the Standard Confession of 1660.

In the 18th century, Arminian ideas gained influence in most American churches through the English evangelist John Wesley and his followers. Wesley responded to accusations of semi-Pelagianism by embracing an Arminian identity, and he is recognised as a faithful representative of Arminius' beliefs. Wesley defended his theology through the publication of a periodical titled The Arminian (1778) and in articles such as Predestination Calmly Considered.

Wesley was notably influenced by 17th-century English Arminianism and by some Remonstrant spokesmen. His system of thought has become known as Wesleyan Arminianism, the foundations of which were laid by him and his fellow preacher John William Fletcher.

During the 20th century, as Pentecostal churches began to settle and incorporate more standard forms, they started to formulate theology that was fully Arminian. Today, Pentecostal denominations such as the Assemblies of God hold Arminian views.

The future of Arminianism

Arminianism, named after the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius, is a system of belief that attempts to explain the relationship between God's sovereignty and mankind's free will, especially in relation to salvation. It emphasizes the responsibility of humans to seek God and make choices regarding their salvation, in contrast to Calvinism's emphasis on God's sovereignty.

Over time, Arminianism has influenced various Christian denominations, including the Baptists, Methodists, and Pentecostals. It has also sparked debates and discussions among theologians and scholars, with some arguing that it is more compatible with the Bible than Calvinism, while others criticize it for undermining God's sovereignty and grace.

Looking ahead, it is possible that Arminianism will continue to influence theological discussions and shape the beliefs of certain Christian denominations. However, it is also possible that it will be further critiqued and challenged, especially by those who hold to Calvinist or other theological traditions. Ultimately, the future of Arminianism will depend on how it is interpreted and applied by theologians, churches, and individual Christians.

To gain a deeper understanding of the future of Arminianism, it may be helpful to examine recent developments and trends within Arminian theology, as well as the broader religious landscape. Additionally, exploring the perspectives of both supporters and critics of Arminianism can provide insights into how it may evolve or be challenged in the future.

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