The Arminian View (2 of 2 notes)

Part Three
Theology Proper: 21 THE ETERNAL PURPOSE OF GOD
A DISPENSATIONAL THEOLOGY
By Charles F Baker

Arminianism differs from Calvinism, not so much in any order of the decrees, but in the content and meaning of the decrees. It defines election as simply being God’s foreknowledge of those who would themselves elect to accept the offer of salvation, rather than God doing the electing. It is a denial of the principle enunciated by Christ when He said to His disciples:

“Ye have not chosen (elected) me, but I have chosen (elected) you” (John 15:16).

Since election is defined as man’s act and since man may change his choice, Arminianism must deny the eternal security of the believer, or as some call it, the perseverance of the saints. When one believes in unconditional election on the part of God he must also believe in the eternal security of the elect, for it is impossible to believe that a choice God had made would ever fail of fulfillment.

Whereas Calvinists argued for what some called irresistible grace, grace that actually resulted in the salvation of the elect, Arminians held to what they called common grace, a grace equally bestowed on all men which enables them, if they so will, to obey God and thus make themselves part of the elect. But since this grace is not efficient nor sufficient to guarantee man’s ultimate salvation, Arminians hold that the elect may be overcome by temptation, or that they may decide to remain no longer children of God, and therefore apostasize and be finally lost.

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