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Calvinism and Arminianism: Election versus choice

life.

This was just a very short list of verses that talk about God's desire that the entire world would be saved. And that would make sense, wouldn't it? Why would God create people without the express purpose of saving them? The Calvinist would argue the definition of the word "world." Are the writers of scripture (inspired by God) referring to the entire world, the known world of that historical era, what? Is God looking to save all through Christ's sacrifice, or does all not mean all. If not then it's a funny way of saying it.

The Calvinists have just a compelling of a case:

John 6:37 - All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

Matthew 19:25-26 - When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

And here's a great look into the biblical foundation of Sovereign Grace:
Romans 11:5-7 - So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened.

Honestly, the Calvinists have a very strong argument. Obviously these are only a short list of scriptural examples from either side. But which is right? With so many verses supporting both theological schools of thought, how can one say that the other is unbiblical, but there are examples throughout history of people calling Calvinists heretics. In fact, Jerry Falwell all but calls Calvinism heresy in 2007.

On the other side, the Synod of Dordrecht convened (1618-1619, nine years after the death of Jacob Arminius) with the express purpose of condemning Arminian theology, with Arminian adherents being denounced and Arminian pastors being exiled from the Netherlands.

Again, just a small bit of history showing just how much animosity can be held by two groups of people claiming to be followers of Christ.

Now on to my opinion section of this article, mainly including several questions that come from arguments used specifically by either side of this debate. Granted, I'm not going to be arrogant enough to believe that any of these are completely original thoughts, considering how long people have been thinking


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