Are You an Arminian or a Calvinist? A Guide to Understanding Your Theological Stance

Introduction

The debate between Arminianism and Calvinism has been a central discussion in Christian theology for centuries. These two schools of thought represent different views on how salvation works, how God’s sovereignty interacts with human free will, and how grace is applied to believers. Whether you are new to theology or have studied these doctrines for years, understanding whether your beliefs align with Arminianism or Calvinism can help you clarify your faith journey.

In this e-book, we will explore the key tenets of both positions and provide a guide to help you identify where you might stand in this theological debate.

Chapter 1: The Origins of Arminianism and Calvinism

Calvinism: Rooted in the Reformation

Calvinism is named after John Calvin (1509–1564), a French theologian and reformer who played a significant role in shaping Protestant thought during the Reformation. Calvin’s teachings emphasized the absolute sovereignty of God, the total depravity of human beings, and the necessity of divine grace for salvation.

Calvinism is often summarized by the acronym TULIP, which represents the following five points:

• Total Depravity
• Unconditional Election
• Limited Atonement
• Irresistible Grace
• Perseverance of the Saints

Arminianism: A Challenge to Calvinism

Arminianism is named after Jacobus Arminius (1560–1609), a Dutch theologian who challenged some of Calvin’s teachings. Arminius believed that Calvin’s doctrines, particularly the idea of predestination, undermined the concept of human free will and responsibility. His followers later systematized his views into what is known as Arminianism.

Arminianism can be summarized by five main points:

• Free Will
• Conditional Election
• Unlimited Atonement
• Resistible Grace
• Possibility of Falling from Grace

Chapter 2: Core Beliefs of Arminianism and Calvinism

1. Total Depravity vs. Free Will

Calvinism:
Calvinists believe in Total Depravity, which means that every aspect of human nature is tainted by sin, making it impossible for anyone to choose God or salvation on their own. According to Calvinism, humans are spiritually dead and incapable of coming to faith without God first regenerating their hearts.

Arminianism:
Arminians, while agreeing that human nature is corrupted by sin, believe that people still have the capacity to respond to God’s offer of grace. They emphasize the role of Free Will, arguing that God’s grace enables individuals to choose whether or not to follow Him.

Where Do You Stand?

• If you believe that humanity is utterly incapable of choosing God without His intervention, you lean toward Calvinism.
• If you think that humans can respond to God’s call through their free will, you are more aligned with Arminianism.

2. Unconditional Election vs. Conditional Election

Calvinism:
In Unconditional Election, Calvinists hold that God chooses who will be saved, not based on anything they have done, but solely according to His sovereign will. This doctrine asserts that God’s decision to save is not influenced by human actions or foreseen faith.

Arminianism:
Arminians argue for Conditional Election, which states that God’s choice to save is based on His foreknowledge of who will freely choose to believe in Christ. In this view, God offers salvation to all, but only those who accept it are elected.

Where Do You Stand?

• If you believe that God’s election is entirely based on His sovereign will and not on anything humans do, you are leaning toward Calvinism.
• If you think God’s election is based on foreseeing who will respond in faith, you may hold an Arminian perspective.

3. Limited Atonement vs. Unlimited Atonement

Calvinism:
Limited Atonement means that Jesus died specifically for the elect, those whom God has chosen to save. Calvinists believe that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient for all, but effective only for those predestined for salvation.

Arminianism:
Arminians affirm Unlimited Atonement, meaning Christ’s death was for all people, making salvation available to everyone. However, it is only effective for those who choose to believe in Him.

Where Do You Stand?

• If you believe that Christ died only for the elect and that His atonement is limited in its scope, you align with Calvinism.
• If you believe that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world and that anyone can accept this salvation, you are closer to Arminianism.

4. Irresistible Grace vs. Resistible Grace

Calvinism:
Irresistible Grace is the belief that when God chooses to save someone, His grace is so powerful that it cannot be resisted. Those whom God calls to salvation will inevitably come to faith because His grace is effectual.

Arminianism:
In contrast, Arminians believe in Resistible Grace, the idea that individuals can resist God’s grace and choose not to accept salvation. God’s grace is available to all, but it does not override human free will.

Where Do You Stand?

• If you think that God’s grace is irresistible and that once He calls someone to faith, they cannot say no, you align with Calvinism.
• If you believe that people can reject God’s grace and choose not to be saved, you likely hold an Arminian view.

5. Perseverance of the Saints vs. Possibility of Falling from Grace

Calvinism:
Calvinists affirm the Perseverance of the Saints, which means that those who are truly saved will persevere in faith until the end. Once saved, always saved; believers cannot lose their salvation.

Arminianism:
Arminians, however, believe in the Possibility of Falling from Grace, meaning that it is possible for someone to lose their salvation if they turn away from the faith. While salvation is secure through Christ, it requires ongoing faith and perseverance.

Where Do You Stand?

• If you believe that once a person is saved, they will never lose their salvation, you align with Calvinism.
• If you think that believers can fall away from the faith and lose their salvation, you lean toward Arminianism.

Chapter 3: A Quick Diagnostic Quiz

Here is a quick quiz to help you determine if your beliefs align more with Arminianism or Calvinism:

1. Do you believe humans are totally incapable of choosing God without divine intervention?
   • Yes → Calvinism
   • No → Arminianism
2. Do you believe God’s election of believers is based on His sovereign will alone?
   • Yes → Calvinism
   • No, it’s based on foreseen faith → Arminianism
3. Did Christ die for the sins of the whole world or only for the elect?
   • Only for the elect → Calvinism
   • For everyone → Arminianism
4. Can people resist God’s grace?
   • No, God’s grace is irresistible → Calvinism
   • Yes, people can resist it → Arminianism
5. Can a true believer lose their salvation?
   • No, once saved, always saved → Calvinism
   • Yes, they can fall from grace → Arminianism

Chapter 4: Why Does This Matter?

Understanding whether you align more with Arminianism or Calvinism is not merely an intellectual exercise—it can shape your view of God, salvation, and the Christian life. Knowing where you stand can help you grow deeper in your faith and engage in meaningful discussions with others.

Conclusion

Whether you identify more as an Arminian or a Calvinist, what unites Christians is the shared belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. While these theological debates are important, they should not overshadow the call to love and serve one another as members of the body of Christ. Understanding your theological perspective is a step toward deepening your faith, but it is always rooted in the grace of God through Jesus.