Rose Publishing - Free Will Vs. Predestination: Calvinism and Arminianism Explained

National Synod in Grote Kerk, Dordrecht

The expression being saved points to the beginning of a wonderful relationship with God. These words mean much to Christians because they encompass much: A new relationship with God and other people, the renewal of our hearts and minds, the growth of faith and obedience in our lives, and much more. How does this salvation happen? More importantly, once we are saved, can we lose our salvation? Is sharing the good news of the gospel even necessary? Do we have to do anything to be saved?

Before seeing two ways to answer these questions, lets focus on the points with which all Christians agree. Regarding Gods merciful work of salvation, Christians agree that:

1. Because of sin, all humans need Gods grace.
2. Salvation from sin and condemnation is an act of God.
3. Salvation is accomplished only by grace through faith in Christ.
4. Works, good works or works of the Law, cannot lead one to salvation.

However, Christians do not agree on how Gods sovereignty and human freedom (free will) relate to each other in connection to salvation. Two views answer these questions quite differently: from a Calvinistic (predestination) or an Arminian view (free will). Although the answers available are not simple, they are important for our understanding of Gods mission in the world and our responsibility as believers.

This pamphlet will define and explain the terms in the following table.

He was the Bishop of Hippo (a city in Northern Africa, present-day Annaba, Algeria). An influential Christian thinker, his works continue to be studied. In his book Confessions , Augustine concluded, among many other things, that every area of the human nature was corrupted by the effects of sin.

Augustines Confessions (397398)

Augustines reply to Pelagius (412415)

As a German priest and professor of theology, his objections to church doctrine and practice initiated the Reformation. In The Bondage of the Will , Luther debated the great philosopher Erasmus of Rotterdam. Luther argued that original sinAdam and Eves sin in Edenhad so corrupted human nature, that now unaided, we are unable to do any good. Any righteousness we may have comes from Gods grace.

Martin Luthers The Bondage of the Will (1525)

As a Reformer, Calvin had a profound influence on Protestant theology. Calvin believed that all the glory of salvation belonged to God. Calvin brought Gods sovereignty and mercy together in the historical doctrine of predestination: After the fall, humanity stood condemned before God. In his mercy, God decided to save many people from this condemnation; in his sovereignty, God chose and called those who would be saved. Humans, being unable to reach out to God, received Gods salvation without deserving it. That this election happens according to Gods will is proof of Gods sovereignty, mercy, and love. Calvins views are well presented in his debate with the Dutch theologian Albert Pighius and in his book The Bondage and Liberation of the Will .

John Calvins The Bondage and Liberation of the Will (1543)

These are churches that follow Calvinistic teachings. They originated in countries like the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, and Germany. The Presbyterian churches, also Calvinistic, originated in the United Kingdom.

Almost ten years after the death of Arminius (see next page), the Reformed theologians in the Netherlands called a Synod (assembly) in the town of Dordrecht. This synod responded to a document named The Remonstrance of 1610, which Arminiuss disciples drafted. The Canons of Dort , a confessional document for Reformed churches, outlines their view on Gods sovereignty, election, grace, and salvation.