In hopes of stimulating further discussion and dialogue on the issues raised in our series, “Real Hope for Real Change: A Study of Romans,” I will be using my blog to provide a format for interaction. Obviously, for this to be a dialogue, your reflections are not only welcomed but encouraged. I will do my best to get at the questions or comments that arise that require further reflection. With that in mind, let’s commence!
Yesterday we briefly addressed the issue of God’s foreknowledge and predestination in Romans 8:28, 29. As you will see, these issues are further developed in the next few chapters as Paul addresses the issue of Israel’s continuing role in God’s salvation plan (since so many of the Jews had rejected their Messiah, Jesus). If you were in one of the services yesterday, you heard me lay out the two primary camps within Christianity when it comes to predestination and salvation. Namely, Calvinism (named for its foremost proponent, John Calvin, mid-1500’s) believes that since humanity is “totally depraved” as a result of the Fall (i.e., Adam’s sin/original sin; see Romans 5), we are incapable of even choosing Jesus for salvation. Thus, God must do that for us. Of course, if God chooses—predestines—a person for salvation, then he/she cannot resist God’s call. He is sovereign. He is in control.
Likewise, if one is unable to even choose God, he or she cannot then “un-choose” God once one is saved. That is, once a person is saved, he or she is always saved. Salvation is then both irresistible (i.e., I can’t say, no.) and permanent (i.e., I can’t lose my salvation).
The other perspective is known as Arminianism (named for Jacob Arminius, mid-late 1500’s), and its distinguishing marks are that it holds that God’s call to salvation is not limited to a select group of individuals whom God has predestined before creation to be saved, but is universal. However, though God’s call is universal and all are welcome, not all will choose, by faith, to turn to His Son, Jesus, and be saved. This perspective also holds that God is sovereign, but that in His sovereign will He chose for humanity, though fallen, to be a real part of responding in love to His call. Thus, despite humanities sin and inability to save itself, we are still capable of saying, yes, to His call.
Thus, contrary to Calvin’s thinking, since humanity has a real choice to say, yes, to Jesus, we also have the option to walk away from that faith even after we have stepped into relationship with Jesus. Sadly, far too many churches who hold to this understanding have served to create far too much uncertainty in their people, as if our salvation were up to us. That is not that case, however. Far from it! Salvation in this view is not something one falls in and out of based on the prevailing winds, but rather it takes seriously the call of God to be in genuine relationship with Him.
Granted there are variations on these two major camps, and not all within them would agree in all regards. Suffice it to say that these are the general parameters within which the debate has been framed over the centuries. Let me just say that I have great respect for Calvin and those within the Calvinist heritage (e.g., Reformed, Presbyterian, segments of the Baptists), even though I disagree with them in their conclusions on this matter. In my mind, this is an “in-house” debate. That is, well-meaning Christians will at times disagree over these matters and how to interpret certain difficult passages. That will always be the case, and we must be gracious and humble even when at times we may strongly disagree.
As I mentioned yesterday, I hold much more closely to Arminian interpretations of salvation, and here is why. I believe God’s call to humanity is just that, a true call to turn to Him. Now salvation is by grace and is thus a gift from God. I don’t earn it, but I do receive it. For this reason, I believe passages like John 3:16-18, 6:29; Romans 10:9, 10, 17 that call us to faith in God’s Son, are genuine calls that we can respond to. Likewise, passages like Hebrews 6:4-6; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Rev. 2:10, 14:12 indicate the salvation is a process and that we are not only called to faith but faithfulness as well. Eternal security comes in clinging to God’s grace through faith. Again, salvation is not something we accomplish by our being good enough. It is God’s gracious gift in Jesus. However, we are called to remain faithful in our walk with Him for our salvation to be sure.
This is enough for now. Feel free to interact and wrestle with this topic through struggling together with God’s word. I believe His richest blessings await!
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