"Calvinism holds to the total depravity of man while Arminianism holds to partial depravity. Total depravity states that every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin; therefore, human beings are unable to come to God on their own accord. Partial depravity states that every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin, but not to the extent that they are unable to place faith in God of their own accord."
So on this aspect I would take the Armenian point of view. Basically where you stand on this point usually hinges on where you stand on a few other points later on. Though I do have a few opinions on the subject based on scripture. :)
Romans 3:23-24 reads- "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus"
So how are we justified? By a GIFT of His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus.
According to Dictionary.com a gift is: Something bestowed or acquired without any particular effort by the recipient or without its being earned.
But there is something interesting about a gift. I can't give something to you unless you RECEIVE it.
Romans 5:17
For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
So for us to be able to "get" the gift of eternal life, we must be willing to RECEIVE it.
Reformers (the more PC name for Calvanists) would not argue with that scripture, but say that you are only able to have faith and receive the gift of salvation because of the grace of God who gives the faith. Look at Eph 2:18-20. Not saying I agree or disagree, still wrestling with this a bunch.
ReplyDeleteOpps that should be Eph 2:8-10. sry!
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