Because of the popularity of the discussion about Arminianism (just realized I've been spelling this wrong the whole time...!) and the other topics posted under the "Be of Good Cheer" blog, we have been requested to start a dedicated article to that topic. We have closed the comments to that article (270-odd is plenty--takes too long to load) and this article is hereby opened for discussion.
UPDATE: This article is hereby closed to comments. - APwwwPlease remember to keep the love of Christ through this discussion. Please don't attempt to convince someone against their will; only God can do that. But we invite everyone to share their beliefs and where they believe the ALC is and where it should be.
Also note that this is a discussion of the Apostolic Lutheran Church. The overwhelming majority of American Protestant churches are Arminian; we aren't attempting to take on that subject. This isn't meant to be exclusionary but rather to limit the focus so the discussion doesn't get out of hand.
We appreciate everyone's contributions and look forward to the ensuing discussion. God bless you all!
-AP Kid and APwww
A brief discussion of the differences between Calvinism, Lutheranism, and Armenianism follows, as researched by AP kid. Links will follow when he gets time to add them. It's known as TULIP.T: "Total Depravity"Calvinism: Man after the Fall has no ability to cooperate with God's grace in conversion
Arminianism: Man after the Fall can cooperate with God’s grace in conversion
Lutheranism: Agrees with Calvinism on total depravity
Relevant Bible passages:
Romans 3:9-20;
Gal. 3:22U: "Unconditional Election"Calvinism: Before the world was created, God unconditionally elected some (the elect) for salvation and the others (reprobates) for damnation.
Arminianism: Before the world was created, God foresaw those who would choose Him of their own free will and elected them to salvation
Lutheranism: Before the world was created, God unconditionally elected some (the elect) for salvation but did not reprobate (chose for damnation) any.
Relevant Bible passages:
Romans 9:11-13;
1 Timothy 2:3-4;
2 Cor. 5:14-15;
Mat. 25:34,41.
L: "Limited Atonement"Calvinism: Jesus only died for the elect, objectively atoning for their sin, but he did not die for the sins of the reprobates.
Arminianism: Christ died to give all the possibility to be saved.
Lutheranism: Christ’s death objectively atoned for all the sin of the world; by believing we receive this objective atonement and its benefits.
Relevant Bible passages:
John 1:29;
1 John 2:2;
2 Cor. 5:14-15,19.
I: "Irresistable Grace"Calvinism: In all of God's outward actions (preaching, baptism, etc.) there is an outward call which all receive, yet there is also a secret effectual calling which God gives to the elect alone. This effectual calling alone saves and is irresistable.
Arminianism: God gives in His outward actions the same grace to all; this grace can be resisted by all.
Lutheranism: The question is not answerable; for the elect grace will irresistably triumph, yet those who reject Christ have rejected that Grace; yet the grace is the same.
Relevant Bible passages:
Eph. 2:1-10;
Acts 13:48;
James 1:13-15P: "Perseverance of the saints" (sort of like "once saved, always saved.")Calvinism: Salvation cannot be lost. Those who have truly put their faith in Christ may temporarily lose the evidence of their faith and even live for a time in grave and unrepentant sin, without losing their salvation.
Arminianism: Salvation can be lost through unrepentant sin and unbelief.
Lutheranism: Salvation can be lost through mortal sin and unbelief, but this legal warning does not cancel the Gospel promise of election
Relevant Bible passages:
1 Cor. 10:12;
2 Peter 2:1, 20-22.
