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Post by Theophilus on Sept 9, 2022 14:07:38 GMT -8
Parker
Calvinist / Reformed Perspective Represented by:- Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner - Professor of New Testament Studies - Southern Baptist Theological Seminary - Dr. Bruce A. Ware - Professor of Theology - Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Wesleyan / Arminian Perspective Represented by:
- Dr. Jerry L. Walls - Professor of Philosophy and Scholar in Residence - Houston Baptist University - Dr. Joe Dongell - Professor of New Testament - Asbury Theological
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Post by Theophilus on Oct 2, 2022 10:22:57 GMT -8
Since the Calvinistic-dominated Synod of Dort in 1618–19, it has become customary to summarize the differences between the two schools of thought using the acrostic TULIP. Here is a look at both sides.
T is for Total Depravity. Calvin insisted that humans are so depraved, following original sin, that they are permanently disabled from responding to God until He first regenerated them. Arminius did not disagree about the depravity, but he understood the Bible to teach that God’s pre-regenerating grace enables the depraved person—still possessing freedom of the will as part of his constitutional makeup—to respond positively or negatively to the offer of salvation in Christ.
U is for Unconditional Election. Calvin believed that God by predestination chose some to be saved and the rest to be lost, eternally, and unconditionally. Arminius agreed that it is biblical to speak of the elections as eternal, but he held that it is likewise biblical to speak of election as based on the saving faith of the individuals, exercised in time.
L is for Limited Atonement. Calvin taught that Christ died only for those whom God had unconditionally elected. Arminius cited a wealth of biblical evidence that Christ died for the entire human race and thus provided salvation for all—applied, however, only to those who respond in faith to the gospel.
I is for Irresistible Grace. Calvin’s view was that elected persons are regenerated by the gracious work of the Holy Spirit without their awareness or cooperation; only after this new birth can they receive faith as a gift from God. Arminius understood the Bible to teach instead, that the individual, enabled by the Spirit but not yet regenerated, must willingly believe in Christ in order to be saved.
P is for Perseverance. Calvin said that all who are elected will necessarily persevere in salvation. Arminius, though he did not develop this doctrine as fully as the others, referred to biblical teaching that ought to make one cautious, passages that fall short of guaranteeing that all who are born again will certainly persevere to the end.
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