What is Arminianism?

Arminianism is a theological framework within Christianity that emerged as a response to the doctrines of predestination and election as articulated by John Calvin and his followers. Named after Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian who lived from 1560 to 1609, Arminianism presents an alternative understanding of divine sovereignty and human free will, emphasizing the role of human choice in the process of salvation.

Jacobus Arminius initially studied under Theodore Beza, a staunch Calvinist, but his theological journey led him to question some of the rigid determinism found in Calvinist thought. Arminius's work eventually gave rise to a movement that sought to reconcile the sovereignty of God with human responsibility, focusing on the compatibility of divine foreknowledge and human freedom.

One of the central tenets of Arminianism is the belief in conditional election. Unlike the Calvinist doctrine of unconditional election, where God predestines certain individuals to salvation irrespective of any foreseen merit or action on their part, Arminianism posits that God's election is based on foreknowledge of those who would freely choose to accept His grace. This view is supported by passages such as Romans 8:29, which states, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." Arminians interpret this to mean that God's predestination is contingent upon His foreknowledge of human decisions.

Another key aspect of Arminianism is the concept of prevenient grace. This doctrine asserts that God's grace precedes human decision, enabling individuals to respond to His call. Prevenient grace is seen as a divine assistance that restores the will and allows people to choose salvation, counteracting the effects of original sin. This grace is resistible, meaning that individuals can choose to reject it, maintaining the integrity of human free will. This idea is supported by scriptures such as John 1:9, which refers to the true light that "gives light to everyone," suggesting a universal grace available to all.

Arminianism also emphasizes universal atonement, the belief that Christ's sacrificial death was intended for all people, not just the elect. This view is drawn from passages like 1 John 2:2, which states, "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." Arminians argue that Christ's atonement is sufficient for all, but only effective for those who believe.

The doctrine of resistible grace is another cornerstone of Arminian theology. It holds that while God's grace is extended to all, individuals have the freedom to accept or reject it. This contrasts with the Calvinist doctrine of irresistible grace, where God's grace inevitably leads to the salvation of the elect. Arminians cite verses such as Matthew 23:37, where Jesus laments over Jerusalem, saying, "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing." This verse is seen as evidence that God's desire can be resisted by human will.

Perseverance of the saints, or the security of the believer, is another area where Arminianism diverges from Calvinism. While Calvinism teaches that those truly elected by God will persevere in faith until the end, Arminianism proposes that it is possible for believers to fall from grace. This belief in conditional security is based on passages like Hebrews 6:4-6, which warns against falling away after having received the knowledge of the truth.

Arminianism's emphasis on human responsibility and free will has had a significant impact on various Christian traditions, particularly within Methodism, which was heavily influenced by John Wesley. Wesleyan theology, a branch of Arminianism, further developed these ideas, emphasizing sanctification and the pursuit of holiness.

In summary, Arminianism is a theological perspective that seeks to balance the sovereignty of God with human freedom. It affirms that God's election is based on foreknowledge, that grace is available to all and can be resisted, and that Christ's atonement is universal. While it acknowledges the seriousness of sin and the necessity of divine grace, it also upholds the capacity and responsibility of individuals to respond to God's call. This framework offers a compelling vision of a God who desires all to be saved and a humanity endowed with the freedom to choose Him, reflecting the dynamic and relational nature of the Christian faith.