The Five Arminian Articles

The Five Arminian Articles of Remonstrance

I.That God, by an eternal and unchangeable purpose in Jesus Christ His Son, before the foundations of the world were laid, determined to save, out of the human race which had fallen into sin, in Christ, for Christ's sake and through Christ, those who through the grace of the Holy Spirit shall believe on the same His Son and shall through the same grace persevere in this same faith and obedience of faith even to the end; and on the other hand to leave under sin and wrath the contumacious and unbelieving and to condemn them as aliens from Christ, according to the word of the Gospel in John 3:36, and other passages of Scripture. II.That, accordingly, Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, died for all men and for every man, so that He has obtained for all, by His death on the cross, reconciliation and remission of sins; yet so that no one is partaker of this remission except the believers [John 3:16; 1 John 2:2]. 
III.That man has not saving grace of himself, nor of the working of his own free-will, inasmuch as in his state of apostasy and sin he can for himself and by himself think nothing that is good — nothing, that is, truly good, such as saving faith is, above all else. But that it is necessary that by God, in Christ and through His Holy Spirit he be born again and renewed in understanding, affections and will and in all his faculties, that he may be able to understand, think, will, and perform what is truly good, according to the Word of God [John 15:5]. 
IV.That this grace of God is the beginning, the progress and the end of all good; so that even the regenerate man can neither think, will nor effect any good, nor withstand any temptation to evil, without grace precedent (or prevenient), awakening, following and co-operating. So that all good deeds and all movements towards good that can be conceived in through must be ascribed to the grace of God in Christ. But with respect to the mode of operation, grace is not irresistible; for it is written of many that they resisted the Holy Spirit [Acts 7 and elsewhere passim]. 
V.That those who are grafted into Christ by a true faith, and have thereby been made partakers of His life-giving Spirit, are abundantly endowed with power to strive against Satan, sin, the world and their own flesh, and to win the victory; always, be it understood, with the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit, with Jesus Christ assisting them in all temptations, through His Spirit; stretching out His hand to them and (providing only that they are themselves prepared for the fight, that they entreat His aid and do not fail to help themselves) propping and upbuilding them so that by no guile or violence of Satan can they be led astray or plucked from Christ's hands [John 10:28]. But for the question whether they are not able through sloth or negligence to forsake the beginning of their life in Christ, to embrace again this present world, to depart from the holy doctrine once delivered to them, to lose their good conscience and to neglect grace--this must be the subject of more exact inquiry in the Holy Scriptures, before we can teach it with full confidence of our mind. 

Source :  http://www.pfrs.org/calvinism/index.html

What does(not) 'Faith alone' really mean?

.
'Therefore, we accept the Protestant doctrine of sola fide,
which means “by faith alone,” but we reject solifidianism.
John Fletcher explained that “solafidianism” is a softer word
for antinomianism. Solafidians not only hold that sinners are
justified solely by faith in the day of conversation, but that because faith is the sum total of salvation, they deny the final justification by works of faith at the day of judgment. However,
scripture teaches a final justification by works. Thus, as James
2:17-24 taught, saving faith will produce good works.'

                                                       - Ric Reasoner

I was once a solafidian , but after studying the scripture I reached the same conclusion which ric reasoner has made in the aove quote  ,though independent of man,but with the guidance of God. 

My experience and study confirm  that solafidianism results in antinomianism. It happens subtly , but sometimes even blatantly. That is the reason  why I and so many young christians were and are 
1. Very insensitive to people , who are made in the image of God , bought with his blood ,though they may come from differnt cultures , families , socioeconomic status , caste , race etc. This leads to discrimination and segregation within the body of Christ and defeats the purpose of the Gospel of Christ, who wants his church to embody his love and reflect a degree of unity , that comes through acceptance and love, and which is possible only with the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Very insensitive to injustices in the society  , like casteism , socio economic exploitation , racial segregation  etc. The very thought of racial segregated churches should be very repugnant to Christ , as the most segregated hour in USA is sunday morning church hours . How is it even possible . Why is the Church so powerless to overcome this ? Is it because it is not connected the head ? Is it because , the solafidiarian  pew dweller thinks that , it's okay , as he is already saved and does need to care about these injustices and inequalities? 
3. Very insensitive to private sins 
4. Very insensitive to the commands of Christ ,as if they are optional.

Faith & Calvinism

“While Calvinists give theological lip service to the place and importance of faith, Calvinists do not see faith as a condition of salvation, but instead they reduce it to a mere consequence of election.”
    - George Bryson


One of the many problems of Calvinism is this Gospel of Election. Election determines salvation in Calvinism. The cause and condition for salvation is election. Unconditional election , exalted to a level which is not seen in scripture twists the theological outlook of the calvinist. Faith is given to those who are elected. Others by default cannot believe and are condemned to eternal damnation. 

⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. ¹⁹ This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. ²¹ But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

As opposed to the Calvinistic teaching , Christ teaches that faith is the condition on which salvation is received.

Doctrine of Election

The Doctrine of Election is a very biblical one which shows the sovereignity of God in the universe and in  human affairs.
 Election refers to
1.God electing abraham and subsequently Israel to be his instruments
2.God electing individuals for service not salvation. People like David , Solomon , Gideon , Cyrus(the pagan) for his service etc
3.God electing Church , as his corporate body of representatives in this world.

Unconditional election : Unconditional election is a calvinist doctrine which says that since people are totally depraved they cannot choose God and so God has  before the creation of the world chosen some to be His own ,who will subsequently accept him during their livfe time on earth.

This doctrine is not a biblical one but just a logically necessary argument for the calvinist as it is preceeded total depravity which makes it necessary.


"For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all." Romans 11:32
Does this verse mean , " God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he can elect a few for salvation".?
Not at all. Yet that's what the calvinist's will keep repeating , as if that is the teaching of the bible.

God's will is that , eveyone should be saved.
"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:4

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

So , if unconditional election were true , God would have saved everyone and no one would go to hell as it is his will that no one should perish.

Unconditional election is an unbiblical doctrine and must not be considered along with the doctrine of  election .

Gist of Colossians : Christ , the Lord God Almighty

 Who is Jesus Christ , what is his true identity ?

Christ , the creator , sustainer , redeemer of the Universe , i.e his creation. Christ , the victor over death . Christ   the victor over Satan and his forces . Christ , the only way of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. Christ , the reconciler of the human race with God. Christ , in whom the fulness of God dwells ,the revealer of the divine to the human . Christ is the head of the Church, which is his body , under his control , fulfilling his agenda , his representatives in this world.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn ²⁸  over all creation, ²⁹ 

1:16 for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him – all things, whether visible orinvisible, whether thrones or dominions, ³⁰  whether principalities or powers – all things were created through him and for him.

1:17 He himself is before all things and all things are held together ³¹  in him.

1:18 He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn ³²  from among the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things. ³³ 

1:19 For God ³⁴  was pleased to have all his ³⁵  fullness dwell ³⁶  in the Son ³⁷ 

1:20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of hiscross – through him, ³⁸  whether things on earth or things in heaven.

How does this truth about the nature , identity and work of Jesus Christ apply to the daily life of the individual and church?

 Living under the lordship of Jesus Christ , as reflectors of the nature and character of God , the disciple
1. Should keep themselves from other competing religions , philosophies , which will entice them with false promises of false humility and fake wisdom.

 2:18 Let no one who delights in humility and the worship of angels pass judgment on you. That person goes on at great lengths ³⁶  about what he has supposedly seen, but he is puffed up with empty notions by his fleshly mind. ³⁷  2:19 He has not held fast ³⁸  to the headfrom whom the whole body, supported ³⁹  and knit together through its ligaments and sinews, growswith a growth that is from God. ⁴⁰ 

2:20 If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits ⁴¹  of the world, why do you submit to them as though you lived in the world? 2:21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!” 2:22These are all destined to perish with use, founded as they are ⁴²  on human commands and teachings.⁴³  2:23 Even though they have the appearance of wisdom ⁴⁴  with their self-imposed worship andfalse humility ⁴⁵  achieved by an ⁴⁶  unsparing treatment of the body – a wisdom with no true value– they in reality result in fleshly indulgence. 

2. The disciples should live in unity without discrimination based on gender , social standing , ethnic /racial identity . In Christ , all are one . Unity is stressed. All have to follow the same values and principles of Christ. There are no alloweances and special treatments for any group. 
 3:11 Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian,Scythian, slave ⁸  or free, but Christ is all and in all.


3. The disciples should not live like those around who do not have a relationship with God.
 So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: ²  sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, ³  evil desire, and greed whichis idolatry. 3:6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. ⁴ 3:7 You also lived your lives ⁵  in this way at one time, when you used to live among them. 3:8 Butnow, put off all such things ⁶  as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth. 3:9Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices 3:10 and have been clothed with the new man ⁷  that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it.


4.The disciples should live a life which is characterised by the vitues of Christ .
3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy,⁹  kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 3:13 bearing with one another and forgiving ¹⁰  one another, if someone happens to have ¹¹  a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. ¹²  3:14 And to all these ¹³  virtues ¹⁴  add ¹⁵  love, which is the perfect bond. 

5. The disciple as husband , wife , child , employer and employee

3:18 Wives, submit to your ²⁰  husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 3:19 Husbands, love your wivesand do not be embittered against them. 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this ispleasing in the Lord. 3:21 Fathers, ²¹  do not provoke ²²  your children, so they will not become disheartened. 3:22 Slaves, ²³  obey your earthly ²⁴  masters in every respect, not only when they are watching – like those who are strictly people-pleasers – but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.3:23 Whatever you are doing, ²⁵  work at it with enthusiasm, ²⁶  as to the Lord and not for people,²⁷  3:24 because you know that you will receive your ²⁸  inheritance ²⁹  from the Lord as the reward. Serve ³⁰  the Lord Christ. 3:25 For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, ³¹ and there are no exceptions. ³² 

4:1 Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven.

"MAN ONLY NEEDS JESUS CHRIST "

-Martin Luther-

Gist of Galatians : Freedom in Christ

Christ liberates from both legalism and license , from religion and irreligion .


Since Christian salvation is one that is attained by grace, through faith in the work of Christ on the cross and not through works , it does mean there is no law to liveout  , it doesn't mean Christ teaches antinomianism or lawlessness. The anti christ is called the lawless one, not Christ. The believer is now equipped with 


1. New Nature 
2. The Holy Spirit's presence and power
3. The Promises of God
4. Relationship with God as his child ,with full rights of inheritance.i.e heir of God.


So that he can keep the law of Christ and bring out the fruit of the Spirit. 

These passages will help you grasp the truths 


2:15 We are Jews by birth ⁴⁷  and not Gentile sinners, ⁴⁸  2:16 yet we know ⁴⁹  that no one ⁵⁰  is justified by the works of the law ⁵¹  but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. ⁵²  And ⁵³  we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ ⁵⁴  and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one ⁵⁵  will be justified. 2:17 But if while seeking to be justified in Christ we ourselves have also been found to be sinners, is Christ then one who encourages ⁵⁶  sin? Absolutely not! 2:18 But if I build up again those things I once destroyed,⁵⁷  I demonstrate that I am one who breaks God’s law. ⁵⁸  2:19 For through the law I died to the lawso that I may live to God. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, ⁵⁹  and it is no longer I who live,but Christ lives in me. So ⁶⁰  the life I now live in the body, ⁶¹  I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, ⁶²  who loved me and gave himself for me. 


3:21 Is the law therefore opposed to the promises of God? ⁴⁶  Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. ⁴⁷  3:22But the scripture imprisoned ⁴⁸  everything and everyone ⁴⁹  under sin so that the promise could be given – because of the faithfulness ⁵⁰  of Jesus Christ – to those who believe.


4:4 But when the appropriate time ⁷  had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born underthe law, 4:5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we may be adopted as sons with full rights. ⁸  4:6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who calls ⁹ “Abba! ¹⁰  Father!” 4:7 So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if you are ¹¹  a son, then you are also an heir through God. <sup>12 


5:1 For freedom 1  Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke 2 of slavery. 5:2 Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of nobenefit to you at all! 5:3 And I testify again to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he isobligated to obey 3  the whole law. 5:4 You who are trying to be declared righteous 4  by the lawhave been alienated 5  from Christ; you have fallen away from grace! 5:5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait expectantly for the hope of righteousness. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision carries any weight – the only thing that matters is faith working through love. 6</sup> 

^{5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; 21  only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, 22  but through love serve one another. 23  5:14 For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, 24  namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” 25  5:15 However, if you continually bite and devour one another, 26  beware that you are not consumed 27  by one another. 5:16 But I say, live 28  by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.} 

Now the works of the flesh ³²  are obvious: ³³  sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, 5:20 idolatry,sorcery, ³⁴  hostilities, ³⁵  strife, ³⁶  jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, ³⁷ factions, 5:21 envying, ³⁸  murder, ³⁹  drunkenness, carousing, ⁴⁰  and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!

5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit ⁴¹  is love, ⁴²  joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,⁴³  5:23 gentleness, and ⁴⁴  self-control. Against such things there is no law. 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ ⁴⁵  have crucified the flesh ⁴⁶  with its passions ⁴⁷  and desires. 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with ⁴⁸  the Spirit. 

6:1 Brothers and sisters, ¹  if a person ²  is discovered in some sin, ³  you who are spiritual ⁴  restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. ⁵  Pay close attention ⁶  to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 6:3For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 6:4 Let each one examine ⁷  his own work. Then he can take pride ⁸  in himself and not compare himself with ⁹ someone else. 6:5 For each one will carry ¹⁰  his own load.

6:7 Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. ¹²  For a person ¹³  will reap what he sows, 6:8 because the person who sows to his own flesh ¹⁴  will reap corruption ¹⁵  from the flesh,¹⁶  but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 6:9 So we must not grow weary ¹⁷  in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. ¹⁸  6:10 So then, ¹⁹ whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong tothe family of faith. ²⁰