Often within our churches, there is a divide between those who either hold fast to Calvinist versus those who proclaim themselves Armenian as though this is a defining feature of one’s theology. Before considering the differences, it is important to recognize the massive importance and value of John Calvin’s body of work. During the Medieval period the church of Rome had adopted so many false ideologies, precisely those that Paul the Apostle had addressed in his letter to the Roman church long before. As men gained power and prosperity within the auspices of church leadership; the truth of the gospel message faded into obscurity.
Martin Luther began the reformation with restoring the truth of the gospel message that salvation came by grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ, God’s eternal, omnipotent, and Sovereign Son-though equal with God and yet, distinct as part of the Triune God and Creator of the Universe.
John Calvin focused on God’s Sovereignty above all of God’s attributes, which leads us to his theological basis. Jacob Arminius at first was a strict Calvinist; however, broke away when his own views focused more on God’s goodness and love as being His greatest attribute.
So, the question might arise when reviewing the ideas of Calvin and Arminius on Atonement, faith, and works: are any of the attributes of God’s Glory higher than another? Or, are all of His Attributes of equal importance in Glory? Do we who live within a world confined by time and space hope to fully understand all the mysteries of an Eternal God who is not bound by time and space; yet, chooses to interact and have relationship with man within our time space boundary?
Atonement:
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