I (STILL) Love Arminians....
- Tony Vance
- Oct 13, 2015
- 7 min read
My affection for Arminianism stretches as far back as I can recall, or at least as far back as I actually began studying the theological implications of such ideas. The denomination I grew up in, the United Baptist, are an off-shoot of the General Baptist. For those unfamiliar with the term General Baptist, it comes from the idea that Baptist fall into one of two categories, Particular or General. Particular describes Baptist who hold a more Calvinist belief (see my post on why I love Calvinists, here), while General are Arminian leaning. The terms relate to Jesus death on the cross and who it was for, one group believes it was for a ‘Particular’ group, the elect, on the one hand, while the General Baptist believe Jesus died for everyone, as in a ‘General’ sacrifice (for a good history lesson on this see, here). There are of course varieties of both that fall somewhere from extreme to moderate views. There are those who even claim a ‘Traditional View’ term, though they seem to fall into the General Camp, for the most part. This is the camp I was in for, well..., 30+ years.
I have the utmost affection and admiration for Arminians and much of what they believe, even though I had a hard time reconciling some issues with what I think the Bible speaks to, in no uncertain terms. This article is not a criticism of Arminian theology; no, rather it is an attempt to show that Arminians are Christians who hold some strong beliefs, which are Biblically sound. After 30+ years I have realized that I was in a different camp, soteriologically speaking. A couple of years ago, I heard a young man, Rob Johnson (his website is here), articulate a position called Molinism, and along with a man named William Lane Craig (his site, here), I began investigating the position and discovered I have actually been a Molinist for most of my life, I just didn’t realize my understanding of scripture placed me in the theological category known as Molinism.
I love Arminians, probably more than I love Calvinists (hopefully my sarcasm is not to apparent, even though I truly do love Calvinists, see my post here). Arminianism has a rich tradition and has had some giants of the faith who have held to its tenets. Jacob Arminius, a student of John Calvin’s protégée- Theodore Beza, articulated a theology in opposition to some of what Calvin had taught, especially relating to election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace. Arminianism’s greatest proponent and best ambassador was a man named John Wesley. Wesley was born almost a hundred years after Arminius’ death, but brought Arminianism a new face and some fresh thoughts, expounding upon the doctrines Arminius articulated a century before. Wesley’s version of Arminianism stressed ‘holy living’ and the process of sanctification, which could bring a Christian to nearly sin-less perfection. He also emphasized an understanding of grace Arminius had termed ‘prevenient grace’. Prevenient grace enables sinners to heed the call of God, as Arminians understand it. This leads me to the first reason I love Arminians.
ARMINIANS LOVE GRACE-IN ALL ITS FREEDOM
I love Arminians’ version of grace. Where a Calvinist has an ‘irresistible’ grace understanding, which God bestows upon you (in particular-salvation) that you cannot refuse to accept, with no merit on your part, in turn the Arminians believe in a grace that God offers that is resistible but allows sinners the help they need to realize God’s gift, especially salvation, and still is not merited or earned, according to Arminians. In a sermon preached, entitled, “On working out our own salvation” Wesley said grace is, “...the first wish to please God, the first dawn of light concerning His will, and the first slight transient conviction of having sinned against Him.” This is a description of Wesley’s idea of prevenient grace. Arminius described it as,
“Concerning grace and free will, this is what I teach according to the Scriptures and orthodox consent: Free will is unable to begin or to perfect any true and spiritual good, without grace.... This grace [prœvenit] goes before, accompanies, and follows; it excites, assists, operates that we will, and co operates lest we will in vain.” (Jacobus Arminius, The Works of James Arminius, D.D., Formerly Professor of Divinity in the University of Leyden (Auburn, NY: Derby and Miller, 1853), vol. 2:472.)
This idea of grace wooing and offering us something we can’t do for ourselves, seems to harmonize with what I read in scripture, John 12:32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” Romans 2:4 "...the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance..." Titus 2:11 "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men." Just to name a few.
THE LOVE OF EVANGELISM IS STRESSED
Evangelism is the next place I feel Arminians and I have a common love. It’s not that Calvinist don’t believe in evangelism, on the contrary, one of the strongest Calvinist said, “Evangelism is a word used to describe the different ways God uses us, along with His Word and Spirit, to transform unbelievers into people whose great delight in life is to know and trust in him. Therefore, under God, our goal in evangelism is to be his instruments in creating new people who delight in God through Jesus Christ and who thus bring us great joy.” (John Piper- http://www.jesus.org/following-jesus/evangelism-and-missions/what-is-the-goal-of-evangelism.html) No, it is the WAY Arminians do evangelism that I have great respect and honor. The circuit riding preachers of early American frontiers are great examples of the type of evangelism I am referring to, in particular:
“Methodist founder John Wesley promoted the idea of circuit riders advancing the word of God to people in rural settlements and other remote areas who did not otherwise have access. As a result, Methodism became known as the "frontier faith."” (http://www.theindependent.com/life/circuit-riders-spread-methodism-in-late-s-s/article_b3b45e76-f3ad-5d03-ad25-8d0f8b146917.html)
“Circuit riders had a simple plan of evangelism: They went where the people lived, and they ministered to their needs. Often, one of the first visitors to a family who had just arrived on the frontier was a Methodist circuit rider. During the day, he might help out with chores or assist with teaching the children. In the evening, after dinner, he would offer religious instruction to the family and to any neighbors who wished to join them.” (http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/nchist-newnation/4451)
This type of evangelism, I’ll call it ‘Great-Effort’ Evangelism is the idea that it takes great effort to reach the lost, and our responsibility to preach the message is heavy. Mark 16:15 “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Romans 10:10-17 “For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? ...” Preaching (or evangelism, if you will) is needed and Arminians believe in putting great effort into it.
FREE WILL IS PARAMOUNT
The last area I’ll hit (at least for this article), is the idea that Arminians have a great affinity for free will. My present denomination, founded by Benjamin Randall (saved under the ministry of George Whitefield, Wesley’s Calvinist friend and fellow laborer), has as one of its mottos, “free grace, free will, and free salvation.” Arminians generally believe man has a measure of free will, often described as libertine free will (LFW). LFW is the notion that you could have chosen otherwise than you chose, that your choice was not predetermined, as Calvinist would argue. This is the one area that I have the hardest time with Calvinist doctrine. It seems as if many atheist and naturalist hold to determinism, very similar to Calvinism. This is not a problem for Arminians, no; they are strong proponents of free will.
“Arminians...” “...are able to work with standard definitions in using terms like “free will” and “choice”. To speak of free will is to speak of the power of self-determinism in a person. A person wills to either do this or that, or neither as the case may be. When we use the term “free will” we are describing the freedom the person has to choose from available options. The will is free in so far as it is not necessitated. If the will can only move in one direction, and no other directions are possible, then the will would not in that case be properly called “free”. Freedom of the will has reference to the will’s ability to freely choose. A free will is free from necessity. It has alternative power.” (https://arminianperspectives.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/the-reality-of-choice-and-the-testimony-of-scripture/)
Some verses that speak of free will are, John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” John 8:24 “I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” These are just a few that seem to point to the reality of free will.
I will readily admit that much of my love for the Arminian stems from an emotional place in my heart. It is less an academic affection (and that is not to say Arminians are less educated or scholarly) for me, toward Arminianism as opposed to Calvinism. Being raised in a strong Arminian tradition and denomination, as well as the denomination I have been part of for the last 30 years or so, surely colors my opinion of the doctrines, of this I won’t deny. It must be pointed out, before I realized that I held to Molinism’s view of soteriology, I questioned a lot of commonly held beliefs of Arminians. I have had very angry brothers and sisters in Christ say and do some very grievous things because of that, also. Yet, even now, if the line is drawn, I could only be an Arminian or Calvinist, I’ll bat for the Arminians 9 out of 10 times.