Thread: Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Biblical Balance - PART 1 - History of the debate
Admin
Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Biblical Balance - PART 1 - History of the debate
Posted : 24 Sep, 2013 09:15 PM
This series is a result of my commitment to respond to a thread that was started by Mcubed. The original thread can be found here: http://www.christiandatingforfree.com/cdff/CDFF_generic/forum/forum_details.php?topic_id=18342&forum_sub_cat_id=14
For you M., May it please the Lord to grant you understanding.
Calvinism, Arminianism, and the "Biblical Balance" - History of the debate between Calvinism and Arminianism
LAYING SOME HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
The five points of Calvinism are actually a rebuke to the Remonstrants� five points which were derived from James (Jacobus) Arminius' challenge to Calvin and Beza. The five articles of the Remonstrants became the focus of the Synod of Dordtrecht (Dort) in the Netherlands, and occasioned The Canons of Dort, a document of the Dutch Reformed Church that rejected the teachings of Arminius and the Remonstrants and essentially declared their position to be heretical.
THE CANONS OF DORT: Overview
Ratified in the National Synod of the Reformed Church held at Dordrecht in the years 1618 and 1619
The Decision of the Synod of Dort on the Five Main Points of Doctrine in Dispute in the Netherlands is popularly known as the Canons of Dort (or the Five Articles Against the Remonstrants). It consists of statements of doctrine adopted by the great Synod of Dort which met in the city of Dordrecht in 1618-1619. Although this was a national Synod of the Reformed Churches of the Netherlands, it had an international character, since it was composed not only of sixty-two Dutch delegates, but also of twenty-seven foreign delegates representing eight countries.
The Synod of Dort was held in order to settle a serious controversy in the Dutch churches initiated by the rise of Arminianism. Jacob Arminius (1560-1609), a theological professor at Leiden University, departed from the Reformed faith on a number of important points. After Arminius�s death, forty-three of his ministerial followers drafted and presented their heretical views to the States General of the Netherlands on five of these points in the Remonstrance of 1610. In this document and even more explicitly in later writings, the Arminians, who came to be called �Remonstrants,� taught:
1. Election based on foreseen faith
2. the universal merits of Christ
3. the free will of man due to only partial depravity
4. the resistability of grace, and
5. the possibility of a lapse from grace.
They desired the Reformed church�s doctrinal standards to be revised and their own minority views to be protected by the government. The Arminian-Calvinism conflict became so severe that it led the Netherlands to the brink of civil war. Finally in 1617 the States General voted four to three to call a national Synod to address Arminianism.
The Synod held 154 formal sessions over a period of seven months (November 1618 to May 1619). Thirteen Remonstrant theologians, led by Simon Episcopius, used various tactics to delay the work of Synod and to divide the delegates tactics which proved to be unsuccessful. Under the leadership of Johannes Bogerman, the Remonstrants were dismissed. The Synod then developed the Canons which thoroughly rejected the Remonstrance of 1610 and scripturally set forth the Reformed doctrine on these debated points, now popularly called �the five points of Calvinism�: unconditional election, limited atonement, total depravity, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of saints.
Though these points do not embrace the full scope of Calvinism and are better regarded as Calvinism�s five answers to the five errors of Arminianism, they certainly lie at the heart of the Reformed faith, particularly Reformed soteriology, for they flow out of the principle of absolute divine sovereignty. They may be summarized as follows:
1. Unconditional election and faith are sovereign gifts of God.
2. While the death of Christ is abundantly sufficient to expiate the sins of the whole world, its saving efficacy is limited to the elect.
3,4. All are so totally depraved and corrupted by sin that they cannot effect any part of their salvation; in sovereign grace God irresistibly calls and regenerates the elect to newness of life.
5. Those thus saved God graciously preserves so they persevere until the end, even though they may be troubled by many infirmities as they seek to make their calling and election sure.
Simply stated, we may say that the subject matter of the Canons is: sovereign grace conceived, sovereign grace merited, sovereign grace needed and applied, and sovereign grace preserved. ** This has become known as the doctrines of grace.
Although in form the Canons have only four sections, we speak properly of five points or heads of doctrine because the Canons were structured to correspond to the five articles of the 1610 Remonstrance. The third and fourth sections were purposely combined into one since the Dortian divines considered them inseparable, and hence are designated as �Head of Doctrine 3/4.�
The Canons have a special character because of their original purpose as a judicial decision on the doctrinal points in dispute during the Arminian controversy. The original preface called them a �judgment, in which both the true view, agreeing with God�s Word, concerning the aforesaid five points of doctrine is explained, and the false view, disagreeing with God�s Word, is rejected.� The Canons also have a limited character in that they do not cover the whole range of doctrine, but focus on the five points of doctrine in dispute. Each of the main heads consists of a positive and a negative part, the former being an exposition of the Reformed doctrine on the subject, the latter a repudiation of corresponding Arminian errors. In all, the Canons contain fifty-nine articles of exposition and thirty-four repudiations of error.
The Canons form a remarkably scriptural and balanced document on the specific doctrines expounded. They are unique in being the sole Form of Unity composed by an ecclesiastical assembly and in representing a consensus of all the Reformed churches of their day. Both Dutch and foreign delegates without exception affixed their signatures to the Canons, whether of supralapsarian or infralapsarian persuasion. A service of thanksgiving was held upon the Canons� completion to acknowledge the Lord for preserving the doctrine of sovereign grace among the Reformed churches.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE SYNOD OF DORT
Official participation in the Synod of Dort, held in 1618�9 in Dordrecht in the Netherlands, consisted of different groups: Dutch ministers, church elders, and theologians; representatives of churches outside the Dutch Republic; and Dutch lay politicians. There were 14 Remonstrants who were summoned, in effect as defendants. There were also some observers, who had no voting status.
Dutch Theologians: 5
Dutch Pastors and Elders: 57
Delegates who attended from outside the Dutch provinces including 8 other countries: 27
Remonstrants: 14
Other Observers: 5
SUMMARY:
The five points (T.U.L.I.P) of doctrine that today goes by the name of "Calvinism" came about as a response to heresy that was being spread by a group known as the Remonstrants. The Remonstrants followed the teaching of Jacob Arminius.
There were dozens of theologians, pastors, elders that participated in the drafting of the Canons of Dort in response to the Arminian/Remonstrant heresy. It was not the work of one man.
The Synod held 154 formal sessions over a period of seven months.
John Calvin was not there at all and had nothing to do with any of it. Calvin died in 1564.
Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Biblical Balance - PART 1 - History of the debate
Posted : 25 Sep, 2013 07:05 AM
So the Dutch people have their influence on the world ^^ As a Dutchman I have to react at this :)
Ok, on topic, I think we have to find the solution 'in the middle'. On the one hand God gave us a free will, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil proves this. On the other hand we read in Ephesians 1:3-20 this: " 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places"
I think that because we can't understand God, we also can't understand how God thinks and how He 'works'. I think it's a paradox, and that we can't take God's place. We can't know how God predestinates. And is it important to know how God predestinates? We just need to spread the Word!
Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Biblical Balance - PART 1 - History of the debate
Posted : 25 Sep, 2013 07:14 AM
Oh, and of course God wants everbody to be saved: 1 Timothy 2:3-6: "3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Biblical Balance - PART 1 - History of the debate
Posted : 25 Sep, 2013 09:23 AM
What is reformation? It's a return to the truth. When did it start? The most notable reformer was Martin Luther. Why did it have to start? Because superstition and paganism and greed had corrupted the early church into something that taught that you could earn forgiveness of sins from a man and pay money to commit sin and avoid judgment. Was that the only error that crept in? Hardly. Pagan ideals had basically swept over the entirety of Christianity. Pagan holidays were given christian names and focus, pagan idols were given the names of the saints, pagan beliefs were set beside biblical truth, commandments of men were instituted in place of God's commands, and a man claimed the seat of Christ, the power and authority of God on earth. So when God brought these errors to light, the great reformers stood up and preached against error and corruption. Did Martin Luther stand up against every single error that the church was corrupted with? No, I doubt he could even see it all, and he was probably still in error himself. Did reformation stop with him? No, history full of great reformers who were bringing the church out of darkness. Can we claim to be free of those errors today? Could a "Synod" that was held 400 years ago be the only beacon of truth? I highly doubt it, only thru presumption can we claim to know all truth. God will be still calling his people out of "Babylon" in the last days. Reformation did not stop in the 1600s.
Revelation 18
1After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, �Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.� 4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, �Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, �I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.� 8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day�death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. 9 �The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, �Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.� ... 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.�
2 Peter 3
3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
Revelation 3
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Daniel 11
32And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. 36And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. 37Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. 38But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. 39Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.
Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Biblical Balance - PART 1 - History of the debate
Posted : 25 Sep, 2013 12:00 PM
I'm not trying to derail anything, I'm just posting my comments. I understand that whatever your main point was might not have been the highlight of my comment, but it's still "on topic".
I'm saying that "Calvinism" and "Arminianism" may all have some things right, and may have all been used by God to continue the work of reforming His true people into one body. Labeling one or all as "heresy" or "false" is like labeling Martin Luther heretical and false, and trying to say one synod is qualified to state what is truth and what isn't, would be the same as endorsing every other time that a group of men said they knew what God meant. There were many synods and diets full of extremely "holy" and "pious" men that Martin Luther was brought against, and He stood against them all. Basically, my point is, defend it from the scriptures if it is truth, and as Tijmen010 pointed out, at least one of the points originally deemed "truth" by the synod is incorrect according to the bible, and I'm sure that if we went thru every belief held by the group who took part in the synod, we would find many other "lesser" errors.
1 Timothy 4:10
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
And just for the record again, I myself am not an "Arminian" which we proved when you gave me the "5 points of Arminius" test, and I doubt there are any true "Ariminians" on this site.
Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Biblical Balance - PART 1 - History of the debate
Posted : 25 Sep, 2013 12:21 PM
When man trys to use scripture to create another doctrine or justify his beliefs the scripture will always expose the truth.
Who does the father foreknow All, man nor the devil creates man the spirit, all are from the father from the very beginning.
Man The Spirit Being.
Psalm 139:13
For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother�s womb.
Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Romans 7:9
For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
