Calvinism and Arminianism

October 8, 2025

Leadership Notes

     I was brought up in the Methodist Church. Went to Sunday School. Worship. My mom sang in the choir. Quit going when I was a know-it-all teenager. My parents didn’t force me to go. It had nothing to do with the church we attended. It was a lovely church. The pastor who officiated my mother’s funeral was wonderful. I was simply a teenaged boy.

     I have always had an affinity for the church movement founded by John and Charles Wesley. Although, like my former denomination, the United Methodist Church has veered off the orthodox Christian path into apostacy, much of their traditional theology resonates with me.

     As the story goes, a Methodist pastor and a Presbyterian pastor were discussing the finer points of their branch of the Reformed faith. The Methodist held fast to Arminianism, while the Presbyterian kept his tenacious grasp on Calvinism. The Methodist extolled the beautiful simplicity of the theology of John and Charles Wesley, while the Presbyterian could not say enough nice things about TULIP.

     There was civility and kindness in their conversation. As they parted, the Methodist pastor said, “Though we disagree on some things, I thank God that upon our deaths, we will see each other in heaven.” To which the Presbyterian {who was predestined by the sovereign God to have the last word} said, “And once there, you will finally understand that I was right.”

     In some subtle ways, I don’t feel at all guilty saying I am Wesley-adjacent. Basically:

The biggest difference between Calvinism and Wesleyanism is

their view on the role of human free will versus God's sovereignty

in salvation. While Calvinism emphasizes that salvation is

determined entirely by God, Wesleyanism maintains that humans

can choose to accept or reject God's grace, and can even fall away

from it. These differing viewpoints lead to distinct conclusions on

predestination, grace, atonement, and the security of a believer's

salvation.

     Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius, over 100 years earlier, laid the foundation for the theology of John Wesley. There are two pieces from Arminius that capture my thoughts:

First, Calvinism sees the atonement as limited, while Arminianism sees it as unlimited. This is likely the most controversial of the five points {of TULIP}. Limited atonement is the belief that Jesus only died for the elect. Unlimited atonement is the belief that Jesus died for all, but that His death is not effectual until a person receives Him by faith.

Second, Calvinism includes the belief that God’s grace is irresistible, while Arminianism says that an individual can resist the grace of God. Irresistible grace argues that when God calls a person to salvation, that person will inevitably come to salvation. Resistible grace states that God calls all to salvation, but that many people resist and reject this call.

These are wonderful distinctions to talk about.

     Over the weekend, I was disheartened to learn {I’ve got to quit learning things!} that our governor declared October as Transgender Empowerment Month. Yikes. Newsflash. Telling 13-year-olds they can change their gender isn’t acceptance. It’s abuse. Here’s a better option for those of us who understand we are surrounded by wickedness. Seeing that Reformation Day is Friday, October 31, let’s claim the month of October as Reformed Theology Awareness Month. There are so many ways you can learn about our rich Presbyterian heritage. You can never go wrong with “Got Questions.” This helpful website has solid responses to your Biblical and/or theological questions. Inquiring minds will receive answers. Let’s celebrate the rest of October endeavoring to grow in understanding our faith. Let the light shine in dark places!

     And now, Your Moment of Spurgeon:

"Mr. Whitfield and Mr. Wesley may preach the Gospel better than

I do, but they can't preach a better Gospel."

With Much Love to the Beloved Believers of Covenant Church,

                                Richard