Refuting Arminianism

Refuting Arminianism from a Calvinistic Perspective

The theological debate between Calvinism and Arminianism has shaped much of Christian thought for centuries. Both systems attempt to answer questions related to salvation, human free will, and God's sovereignty. From a Calvinistic perspective, the central tenets of Arminianism raise significant issues that conflict with a biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and grace. This blog will explore key Arminian doctrines and offer a Calvinistic refutation, focusing on the nature of human will, election, and God’s grace.

1. The Doctrine of Total Depravity and Human Will

Arminianism asserts that human beings, while fallen, possess the capacity to choose or reject God's offer of salvation. This view, known as "prevenient grace," posits that God provides a grace that enables all people to make a free choice regarding salvation. In contrast, Calvinism holds to the doctrine of Total Depravity, which teaches that human beings, after the Fall, are completely incapable of turning to God without divine intervention.

From a Calvinist standpoint, the Bible teaches that humanity’s fallen nature has rendered every part of the human person—mind, will, and emotions—enslaved to sin. Ephesians 2:1 says, “You were dead in your trespasses and sins,” and Romans 8:7 explains that “the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” This is not a matter of limited capacity or impairment—it is total spiritual death. If the will is utterly enslaved to sin, as Scripture attests, then no amount of prevenient grace can enable an unregenerate person to choose God on their own.

Calvinism argues that God's saving grace must be irresistible and that it transforms the sinner's will entirely, enabling them to embrace Christ by faith. The will of the sinner is not sovereign, but God's grace is.

2. Unconditional Election vs. Conditional Election

The doctrine of election is another major point of contention. Arminianism teaches conditional election: God elects individuals based on His foreknowledge of who will freely choose to believe in Christ. In this view, God foresees human decisions and responds accordingly by electing them to salvation.

Calvinism, on the other hand, upholds unconditional election: God elects individuals to salvation not based on anything they have done or will do but solely on His sovereign will and good pleasure. Romans 9:16 states, "So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy." Election is a work of God’s grace, independent of any foreseen faith or merit in the individual.

If election were conditional, as Arminianism claims, it would place the decisive factor of salvation in the hands of man rather than God. This undermines the biblical teaching that salvation is solely by grace and not a result of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Arminianism, by making human decision the determining factor, effectively turns election into a reward for human effort, even if that effort is merely the act of believing. Calvinism rightly asserts that faith itself is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8) given to those whom God has chosen according to His sovereign purposes.

3. Limited Atonement vs. Universal Atonement

Arminianism argues for universal atonement, meaning that Christ’s death on the cross was intended for all people, but its effectiveness is contingent on individual faith. According to this view, Christ's atonement is available to all, but it is only applied to those who believe.

Calvinism, however, teaches limited atonement (or "particular redemption"). This doctrine holds that Christ’s atoning work was intended specifically for the elect—those whom God has chosen for salvation. In John 10:11, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep,” signifying that Christ’s sacrificial death was aimed at securing the salvation of His people. Furthermore, in Matthew 1:21, the angel tells Joseph that Mary will bear a son who "will save His people from their sins"—not that He will make salvation possible for all but only effective for some.

If Christ's atonement was meant for all people without exception, yet not all are saved, then either Christ's atonement was insufficient, or something beyond Christ’s work—such as human faith—makes it effective. This, however, diminishes the power of the cross. Calvinism contends that Christ’s atonement fully and effectively secured the salvation of those whom God had chosen. His death was not a potential redemption, but a full and actual redemption for the elect.

4. The Preservation of the Saints vs. Falling from Grace

A key tenet of Arminianism is the belief that true believers can fall from grace and lose their salvation. This is based on the idea that since human free will is central to choosing salvation, it must also be central to maintaining it.

Calvinism, in contrast, teaches the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints. Those whom God has chosen and regenerated by His Spirit will never fall away completely but are preserved in their faith by the power of God. Jesus says in John 10:28-29, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."

If salvation is a work of God from beginning to end, as Calvinism asserts, then the believer’s perseverance is not dependent on their own strength or will, but on the faithfulness of God who keeps them. Philippians 1:6 assures us that "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Calvinists argue that to suggest a person could lose their salvation is to imply that God’s power in salvation can be thwarted by human failure, which contradicts the biblical teaching of God’s sovereignty and omnipotence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arminianism, with its emphasis on human free will, conditional election, and universal atonement, undermines the biblical doctrines of grace and God’s sovereignty. Calvinism affirms that salvation is entirely the work of God, from election to redemption to final glorification. God’s grace is irresistible, His election unconditional, and His atonement effective for those whom He has chosen. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and this faith itself is the gift of God. In this, Calvinism upholds the central truth that God alone is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and all glory belongs to Him.