Every now and then I find my way into a discussion about free will, grace, atonement, and election. I will be the first to admit, these are deep topics and I usually cower into the corner and let the loudest and most aggressive guy have is day. People are passionate about their beliefs and, sadly, will aggressively defend their belief because they believe they are right. Sometimes these beliefs are not scripturally based but are defended as if they are the absolute truth. At times, these beliefs create divisions among the believers so bad that the faith as a whole becomes damaged.
The book Calvinism, Arminiansim and the Word of God examines the five points of Arminianism, the Calvinist position regarding these five points (TULIP), and what the Word of God says about these five points. Chuck Smith clearly outlines the five points of Arminianism, the five points of Calvinism (TULIP), and what the scriptures say regarding those same five points. The book does not attempt to say who is right or who is wrong but utilizes the scripture to provide the reader with the necessary tools (God's word) to formulate your position.
The "Five Points of Arminianism" include the following: Free will, conditional election, universal atonement, obstructable grace, and falling from grace.
The "Five Points of Calvinism" include the following (TULIP): Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.
A scriptural response regarding the following points: Depravity, election, atonement, grace, and perseverance.
In the closing pages of this book, Chuck Smith sums it up beautifully when he writes: " To say what God says in the bible - no more no less - is not always easy, comfortable, or completely understandable. But Scripture tells us that the wisdom from above will be loving and kind toward all, seeking the unity of the believers, not trying to find ways to divide and separate from one another." When examining doctrine it is ok to discuss and to even have disagreements; however, it is not ok to be divisive.
MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
Although some of these topics are way over my head, I find it easier to rely on the scripture and "believe" simply because of God's word. We are all sinners, God chose me, God sent His only son to pay the price for me, God did what He did simply because He wanted to, and I am His forever. I can't explain it, rationalize it, or win an argument about it. However, I can find comfort in the multiple scriptures that support my positions. Above all, I need to seek those things that produce the loving nature of Jesus in my life rather than winning every argument.
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