There are many controversies regarding the theology in the bible, and different groups and cultures view them and use them as they believe is the correct way. Since we have no time machines or original transcripts, we can only use the text itself to derive clues as to what the author meant. One of the longer standing controversies is the Calvinist-Arminian debate which arose in the 16th century. The debate which argues about the nature of God and whether he decides the future of every individual or if He has given humanity the ability to choose what path they take in life. Calvinists believe that God has predestined each human being already to their final destination and no matter what that person ultimately has done, he or she has a destination.
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The main or general idea of Arminianism is the notion of free will. The Arminian side claims that humanity was affect by the fall of man, but that it has not been left completely helpless spiritually. They believe that God has given each individual the ability to repent wholeheartedly and also the ability to believe in him. God has given every human being the ability to have free and choose their own destiny. Arminianism would claim that humanity is not a slave to sin but it also has an opportunity and choice to claim God’s grace or reject it. Salvation is a two-way street in which man has just an important role as God. Some would cite Joshua 24:15 which states “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Another logical argument made is that very fact that a human can sin implies free will. The other alternative would be that God is creator of sin and brings forth sin. Another set of verses which is cited is Ezekiel 18:23-32, in which God is pleading sinners to repent. Much of the Old testament is God pleading people to choose Him over the dark desires of their hearts and to come to him. Solomon writes in Proverbs 1:24 “I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid …show more content…
Arminianism states that Holy spirit calls all those who hear the gospel but each person is able to fully reject the call. Verses that are cited are Luke 7:30 and Mathew 23:37 in which both verses show how someone is unwilling to follow the call of the Spirit and instead decide to follow their own path. They also often cite the prayer which Jesus prayed. If one recalls He claims “may your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.” The claim “If God’s will cannot be resisted then there wouldn’t be a reason for Jesus to be praying this.” Is made. Solomon writes in Proverbs 1:24 “I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention.” Many prophets in the Old Testament talks about all the judgment and disaster that is to come if God’s people reject him and turn from him. One final point Arminians make is commenting about Matthew 19:24. Arminians argue if grace is irresistible then is Jesus saying it is harder for God to save a rich man than poor man? They claim that the statement that Calvinists make would limit
The main or general idea of Arminianism is the notion of free will. The Arminian side claims that humanity was affect by the fall of man, but that it has not been left completely helpless spiritually. They believe that God has given each individual the ability to repent wholeheartedly and also the ability to believe in him. God has given every human being the ability to have free and choose their own destiny. Arminianism would claim that humanity is not a slave to sin but it also has an opportunity and choice to claim God’s grace or reject it. Salvation is a two-way street in which man has just an important role as God. Some would cite Joshua 24:15 which states “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Another logical argument made is that very fact that a human can sin implies free will. The other alternative would be that God is creator of sin and brings forth sin. Another set of verses which is cited is Ezekiel 18:23-32, in which God is pleading sinners to repent. Much of the Old testament is God pleading people to choose Him over the dark desires of their hearts and to come to him. Solomon writes in Proverbs 1:24 “I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid …show more content…
Arminianism states that Holy spirit calls all those who hear the gospel but each person is able to fully reject the call. Verses that are cited are Luke 7:30 and Mathew 23:37 in which both verses show how someone is unwilling to follow the call of the Spirit and instead decide to follow their own path. They also often cite the prayer which Jesus prayed. If one recalls He claims “may your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.” The claim “If God’s will cannot be resisted then there wouldn’t be a reason for Jesus to be praying this.” Is made. Solomon writes in Proverbs 1:24 “I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention.” Many prophets in the Old Testament talks about all the judgment and disaster that is to come if God’s people reject him and turn from him. One final point Arminians make is commenting about Matthew 19:24. Arminians argue if grace is irresistible then is Jesus saying it is harder for God to save a rich man than poor man? They claim that the statement that Calvinists make would limit