Salvation Point 1

Tonight was our second class on the Doctrine of Salvation and as promised last week, it got a bit heated. Point 1 is one of the biggies. Arminians argue that the first major element of Salvation is Free Will. Essentially it is up to us as individuals as to whether or not we choose Christ. Faith is our gift to God and He therefore offers us His grace. Calvinists then countered that in fact Scripture states that we are all born depraved (not deprived - if you're unsure of the difference please look them both up). Therefore, we are too immersed in sin to be able to make a choice. If we are to be saved, He will Grace us with His life. Grace is our gift from God and we therefore offer our faith. Are we seeing the opposing forces here?

Arminians = Faith then Grace; Calvinists = Grace then Faith

The analogy that I really liked was this: Arminians believe we are drowning in sin. It is up to us whether we try to fight on our own, or give God our faith which would cause Him to pull us from the water. Calvinists believe that according to Scripture we are dead in our sin. Not drowning, but gone. If we are a chosen one, God breathes life into us, thus pulling us from death which offers us the chance to have faith.

One might read this and wonder, 'what does it matter?'. We all know from Scripture that he who believes in Christ shall be welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven, so this is kind of a 'which came first, chicken or egg' argument. I see a little deeper, though. Depending of which side of this fence one is on may affect how one treats others. If it's up to you to give your faith to God first, then people living in sin are therefore choosing to go against God's will. If God chooses you, then your behavior cannot dictate if or when that will happen, so you just love everyone and wait it out.

I'm just one little flawed human being, and what I believe doesn't matter to anyone but me; but I see the argument this way (as I do most things in life): which belief will make me try to be a kinder, more understanding, more loving person? One can argue both sides from Scripture. One can find a good argument for both belief systems. But which one makes me truly, devotedly and blessedly loving to each and every other human being? Only you can answer that for yourself. I don't presume to ever be able to understand what God means by things or how He thinks. I don't know how I think half the time. But the resounding message of the New Testament is love. Love each other, be loving toward each other, "Love as I have loved you," John 15:12.

I am enjoying the challenge and really wish our classes could be longer, as we are going to have a hard time finishing in only an hour and a half each week. I feel as though a veil has been lifted as to why I experience certain Christians the way I do. I am praying that I let go of judgement and can objectively delve into each direction so that I can accurately understand both.