The Irony of Arminianism
ARMINIANISM
Definition: theological system named after Dutch theologian, Jacobus Arminius; follows Pelagian heresy with an attempt to temper that heresy, which was debunked in the 5th century A.D.
Status: false teaching
Misused Texts: John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:2
Ignored Texts: Ephesians 1; Romans 9
Explanation: Arminianism teaches God loves everyone. Jesus died for everyone. Everyone must decide for himself to let Jesus be his or her Savior.
Famous proponents: John Wesley; Charles Wesley; Charles Finney; D. L. Moody; R. A. Torrey; A. W. Tozer; Andrew Murray; Billy Sunday; E. M. Bounds; J. Vernon McGee; C. S. Lewis; Billy Graham; Chuck Smith; Clark Pinnock; Franklin Graham; William Lane Craig; Roger Olson; Ben Witherington III; Craig Keener; Ray Comfort; and with statistical probability…your pastor!
The irony of Arminianism is that not one reprobate, in the entire history of the world, has ever made the decision to place their trust in Jesus Christ, so as to be saved…no, not one.
The reason is obvious. If God has chosen some for salvation (election), and He has not chosen others for salvation (reprobation), then it is absolutely impossible for a reprobate to decide for himself to be saved.
It is true that the reprobate may have been coaxed by someone to “choose Christ” for himself, effecting a false conversion, but a human decision to make regeneration efficacious? Hardly, for the Holy Spirit has never caused even one reprobate to be born again.
The truth of election, because this doctrine is true, sets the believer free to delight in the sovereign will and eternal good pleasure of God. Until this doctrine is embraced, it remains bugbear for those who claim to be Christian and yet despise true doctrines.
Conclusion: God has made a sovereign, binding decision regarding the salvation of the people He Himself has chosen. He made this decision before the foundation of the world. God knows His chosen ones by name. God gave His elect to Jesus Christ, who then came into the world at the appointed time, in order to save His people from their sins. The Holy Spirit has been sent to each elect soul to administer salvation, and the result of this work is a born again witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ manifests in the elect, redeemed, regenerate soul because of the effectual work of the indwelling Spirit. This is an inseparable union. God has ordered salvation. God has executed salvation. God is now applying His salvation to each elect soul in each successive generation. He loses none of His own. Glory to God for so great a salvation!
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
January 31, 2022
