RLGN 335

MODULE/WEEK 6: STUDY GUIDE

Materials: Across the Spectrum Chapter 78, Doctrines that Divide Chapters 1112

Study Hints and Questions:

Know the contents of the five points of

Calvinism and how they compare to the five articles of the Remonstrance.

1. Total Depravity. This simply means that man inherits the

guilt of Adam's sin (Rom. 5:12) and is by nature a child of
wrath (Eph. 2:3). The corruption of sin extends to his mind as
well as his will; consequently, no one seeks God. Because
man is dead in trespasses and sins, God must regenerate him
and even grant him the faith to believe.

In contrast, Arminianism teaches that man is to some degree

depraved, but that he receives enough grace to counteract
the effects of depravity. The scales are therefore rather
evenly balanced. So man is capable of making his choice after
all.

2. Unconditional election. The synod affirmed that the reason

some are saved is because God elected them to eternal life;
others are condemned to eternal death. Because salvation
rests wholly with God, no one can say he chose Christ
because he is wiser than others; he did so because God had
chosen him and quickened him that he might believe.

Calvinists have often accused the Arminians of taking at least

a bit of credit for their salvation. But the Arminians did not
deny that men needed the assistance of the grace of God in
salvation. Recall the words of the Arminian remonstrance that
man in the state of apostasy and sin "can neither think, will,
nor do anything that is truly good (such as saving faith
eminently is); but that it is needful that he be born again of
God in Christ." What they denied was that this assistance was
only granted to some and that it was irresistible.

3. Limited Atonement. This means simply that Christ did not

die for all men in general but gave himself only for the
church, the elect. This doctrine elicits a chorus of objections

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from those of us who were reared in basic Arminian

doctrines. At first blush, such a view seems so wrong we
wonder why anyone would ever hold it. Saying "Christ died
for every single individual" is the very fabric of
evangelicalism.

Arminian point to those passages that appear to teach that

Christ's death was a payment for the sins of the whole world.
Perhaps the clearest is 1 John 2:2, in which Christ is spoken
of as the "propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but
also for those of the whole world."

4. Irresistible Grace. Calvinists, in my opinion, should drop

this phrase and substitute "efficacious or effectual grace."
This phrase means simply that when God applies his saving
grace to the elect, it is always effective. All of the elect will be
saved because God's grace will accomplish God's work. As J.
I. Packer wrote, "Grace proves irresistible just because it
destroys the disposition to resist." As explained later, this
does not mean that anyone will ever be saved against his or
her will.

In contrast, Arminians believe that saving grace is given to all

men and can be resisted. Here again, the difference between
the two theological systems is clear.

5. Perseverance of the Saints This doctrine is the logical

outcome of the preceding tenets of Calvinism. Historically, it
means that the saints will persevere in their faith. None of
the elect will be lost. Christ affirmed, 'All that the Father gives
Me shall come to Me.... And this is the will of Him who sent
Me, that of all that He has given me I lose nothing, but raise
it up on the last day" (John 6:37-39).

Arminius did not deny the perceverance of the Saints, but he

that the matter was open to debate. He was not sure on this
matter much like the Calvinists.

Erwin Lutzer. The Doctrines That Divide: A Fresh Look at the

Historic Doctrines That Separate Christians (Kindle Locations
1827-1829). Kindle Edition.

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Erwin Lutzer. The Doctrines That Divide: A Fresh Look at the

Historic Doctrines That Separate Christians (Kindle Locations 1826-
1827). Kindle Edition.

Erwin Lutzer. The Doctrines That Divide: A Fresh Look at the

Historic Doctrines That Separate Christians (Kindle Locations 1820-
1823). Kindle Edition.

Erwin Lutzer. The Doctrines That Divide: A Fresh Look at the

Historic Doctrines That Separate Christians (Kindle Locations 1801-
1803). Kindle Edition. Erwin Lutzer. The Doctrines That Divide: A
Fresh Look at the Historic Doctrines That Separate Christians
(Kindle Locations 1766-1768). Kindle Edition.
Erwin Lutzer. The Doctrines That Divide: A Fresh Look at the
Historic Doctrines That Separate Christians (Kindle Locations 1745-
1748). Kindle Edition.

Erwin Lutzer. The Doctrines That Divide: A Fresh Look at the

Historic Doctrines That Separate Christians (Kindle Locations 1743-
1745). Kindle Edition. Erwin Lutzer. The Doctrines That Divide: A
Fresh Look at the Historic Doctrines That Separate Christians
(Kindle Locations 1725-1729). Kindle Edition.
Understand the point of limited atonement in the
five points of Calvinism. How do Calvinists defend this position, and
what terms do they prefer that the doctrine be known by?

(Across the Spectrum ch. 7) Be able to define and distinguish between the following three views
of the atonement: 1) the penal substitution view, 2) the Christus Victor view, and 3) the moral
government view.

(Across the Spectrum ch. 7) Which view of the atonement has the highest degree of support in
the contemporary evangelical community?

(Across the Spectrum ch. 7) How does the Old Testament sacrificial system foreshadow the penal
substitution view of the atonement?

(Across the Spectrum ch. 7) What view of the atonement was the dominant view of the early
church (until the eleventh century)?

(Across the Spectrum ch. 7) How does the Christus Victor view use the resurrection as an appeal
of support?

(Across the Spectrum ch. 7) According to the moral government view, what is the purpose of the
atonement? In your opinion, does this meet the requirements of biblical orthodoxy?

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(Across the Spectrum ch. 8) Understand that the debate over salvation is not whether
predestination and election are biblical, but rather, the debate centers around questions regarding
how election works and on what basis God predestines people.

(Across the Spectrum ch. 8) Be familiar with some of the historical and contemporary proponents
of both Calvinism and Arminianism, and be able to distinguish between the basic tenets of each
view.

(Across the Spectrum ch. 8) Be able to list and define the five points of Calvinism.

(Across the Spectrum ch. 8) Be familiar with the argument from logical coherence in support
of the Calvinist view.

(Across the Spectrum ch. 8) How do Calvinists respond to passages of Scripture suggesting that
God wants all of the world to be saved?

(Across the Spectrum ch. 8) What are the four motifs that logically support the Arminian
position?

(Across the Spectrum ch. 8) In what two possible ways does Arminianism understand biblical
election?

(Doctrines that Divide ch. 11) Know the content of the five articles drafted by Jacob Arminius
and his followers to respond to Calvinism. How do these articles compare to Semi-Pelagianism?

(Doctrines that Divide ch. 11) Know the contents of the five points of Calvinism and how they
compare to the five articles of the Remonstrance.

(Doctrines that Divide ch. 11) Understand the point of limited atonement in the five points of
Calvinism. How do Calvinists defend this position, and what terms do they prefer that the
doctrine be known by?

(Doctrines that Divide ch. 12) Know the differences between the views of John Wesley and
George Whitefield regarding mans freewill and his capacity to choose or not choose God.

(Doctrines that Divide ch. 12) Know the nature of the content of the preaching in each of the two
Great Awakenings. Was the preaching of the First Great Awakening characteristic of Calvinism
or Arminianism? What about the Second Great Awakening?
The penal substitution view
16th century perspective, Christ actually bore the
punishment humanity deserved.

The Christus Victor view

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early church perspective, Jesus' death and resurrection

defeated Satan and thus set humankind free from his
oppressive rule.

The moral government view

17th century perspective, Jesus did bare the wrath of God,
but not our due punishment. It was to teach us that sin has
consequences and inspire holy living, thus preserving God's
moral gov't of the world.

Which view of the atonement has the highest degree of

support in the contemporary evangelical community?
Penal View

How does the Old Testament sacrificial system

foreshadow the penal substitution view of the
atonement?
This system, as per Lev 1:3-4, foreshadows Jesus' sacrifice
by transferring sin from man to sacrifice thus atoning for
the sin.

What view of the atonement was the dominant view of

the early church (until the eleventh century)?
The early church emphasized the Christus Victor view that
signified Christs victory over Satan.

How does the Christus Victor view use the resurrection as

an appeal of support?
As this theme runs through the New Testament, it was the
main way that Jesus defeated Satan. Psalm 110:1 is quoted
by Peter and Paul explaining that Christ was now Lord of
the Earth.

According to the moral government view, what is the

purpose of the atonement?
The attonement was to show the seriousness of sin;
thereby, stiring us on to walk IAW God's law.

Understand that the debate over salvation is not whether

predestination and election are biblical, but rather, the
debate centers around questions regarding how election
works and on what basis God predestines people.
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What are the historical and contemporary proponents of

Calvinism
Historical proponents are Augustine, Luther, and Calvin.
Contemporary proponents are Whitefield and Edwards.

What are the historical and contemporary proponents of

Arminianism
Historical proponent is John Cassian. Contemporary
proponents are Erasmus and the Anabaptists.

What is the logical coherence argument for salvation for

the Calvinist view?.
The five points are interconnected, forming a logical
coherent understanding of salvation. All humans are
depraved requiring unconditional election. The will of the
elect is depraved as well thus requiring the Holy Spirit to
make the gospel irresistible.

How do Calvinists respond to passages of Scripture

suggesting that God wants all of the world to be saved?
His elect are not located in one location, but are spread all
over the world. (Rev. 5:9, 7:9)

What are the four motifs that logically support the

Arminian position?
God loves all people, people are free to accept or reject this
love, God influences people to accept his love without
coerceion, and people must maintain this relationship in
order to retain salvation.

In what two possible ways does Arminianism understand

biblical election?
Either God was speaking of His people in a corporate sense
or He elected those that he foreknoew would have faith
and believe.

Know the content of the five articles drafted by Jacob

Arminius and his followers to respond to Calvinism.
1. Those who believe and preservere in the faith are
saved.
2. Jesus, through His crucifixion, obtained redemption and
forgiveness of sins for all men, although only believers can
enjoy this forgiveness.
3. Total depravity
4. Grace is not irresistible
5. Whether salvation can be lost is a matter needing
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further discernement from the Bible before it can be

taught.

How do these articles compare to Semi-Pelagianism?

more in tune with it than they are Calvinism.

Know the history behind the famous "five points" of

Calvinism, including the background to the Synod of Dort.
Conveneed in the Netherlans 1618 to respond to
Arminiasm. The matter of free will of man and related
doctrines were examined. Rejected synod and
adopted5point Calvinism.

Know the contents of the five points of Calvinism and how

they compare to the five articles of the Arminian
Remonstrance.
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Contrast Total Depravity with the Arminian Remonstrance

While Calvinism holds that man is so dead in sin that he is
unable to muster up enough faith on his own to make a
choice, Arianism believes that his IS able to make the
choice after all.

Contrast Unconditional Election with the Arminian

Remonstrance
While Calvanism holds that some are elect and some are
condemned, Arminiasm states that all are called and have
the opportunity to receive Grace.

Contrast Limited Atonement with the Arminian

Remonstrance
While Calvinism holds that Christ only paid the debt for his
elect, Arianism states that He died for all men, although
they have to receive it in order to be atoned.

Contrast Irresistible Grace with the Arminian

Remonstrance
Calvinist state that His Grace to the elect is always
effectual; contrastly, Arminians hold that while His Grace is
given to all men, they have the ability to reject it.

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Contrast Perserverance of the Saints with the Arminian

Remonstrance
Calvinist believed that none of the elect could be lost while
Arminius, unclear on the matter, thought that the matter
was open to debate.

Understand the point of limited atonement in the five

points of Calvinism. How do Calvinist's defend this
position, and what terms do they prefer that the doctrine
be known by?
While there is scripture that clearly support the point of
"limited atonement", there is scripture that uses the term
"all men". To this, Calvinism states that it cannot mean all
men in the world for not all men are in fact saved. The
preferred term is " particular redemption" or "definite
attonement."

Know the differences between the views of John Wesley

and George Whitefield regarding man's freewill and his
capacity to choose or not choose God.
While Wesley believed Jesus was crucified for the elect and
that man was totally unable to even make the choice for
Christ, Whitefield taught that man did have the free will
and ability to make a choice for Christ and that Christ died
for all men that will make that choice.

Know the nature of the content of the preaching in each

of the two "Great Awakenings." Was the preaching of the
First Great Awakening characteristic of Calvinism or
Arminianism? What about the Second Great Awakening?
The first was Calvinistic in approach while the second,
preached by Charles Finney, was closer to Pelagious'
(whatever a man willed to do, he could do) teachings;
thereby, being more bent towards Arminianism.

First great awakening Calvinistic

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