Reclaiming the Mind Ministries is hosting a special Converse with Scholars during the next two weeks. I am very excited about this program as we are having two great scholars on to represent their respecting positions (although, don’t we always?). Tonight, March 22 at 10pm EST, Roger Olson will be joining us to discuss the Arminian position. The following Thursday, March 29 at 10pm EST, Samuel Storms will be discussing the Calvinist position. Rhome Dyck and myself will be hosting the program as Ed Komoszewski is out of town.

As you all know, I am a committed Calvinist. I believe very deeply in the sovereign grace of God (even though I don’t understand its mysteries). At the same time, I respect the Arminian position very much. I understand why Arminians believe the way they do even though I don’t agree. My mother was Arminian with regards to the issue of predestination. We used to have great and bloody battles at our home. We had to call a truce about six years ago.

To sum it up as concisely as I know how, here are the basic differences:

Calvinism: Emphasizes the sovereign hand of God in election. Before all time, God unconditionally chose certian individuals for salvation while either passing over the rest (moderate Calvinism) or actively predestining the rest to hell (extreme Calvinism). God has provided a way for the elect to be redeemed. The Cross secured redemption only for these elect. Man is in such a state of depravity that outside God’s regenerating grace, he cannot exercise faith. God’s grace is the means by which the elect are saved and kept. These elect will persevere until the end because God is the one who sustains them.

Arminianism: Emphasizes the love of God and the responsibility of man. God loves all people and desires all to come to salvation. Therefore, God has provided a way through the Cross for all people to have a chance. God does not intervene in the free-will decisions of man, therefore it is up to man to choose God. God provides prevenient (helping) grace to allow man to overcome their depravity and choose God. God’s election is based upon His foreknowledge. He elects to save all those who will trust in Christ. People, however, can still exercise their free will and turn from God, giving back the gift of salvation. Therefore, people are responsible to persevere until the end to secure redemption.

Well, anyhow, I hope you can join us tonight and next week. Find out more here.