I am hoping somebody can help me with a question on here without getting far off topic. I want to preface this question by saying that I am asking on a trapping forum because I honestly think I'll get a good answer on here (or several) from a well intentioned individual(s).
The question is, in terms of belief regarding salvation are you either Arminian or Calvinist or some variation of those two systems, or are there other completely different dogmas to consider?

Thanks in advance...

I'm somewhere in between the two. I'm not saying that just to have an easy way out of the question. I think a firm adherence to either of the two schools of thought is strictly due to putting God in a box that we can comprehend. That's the wrong way to approach theology imo.

I have friendly debates with a good friend of mine who is a strict Calvinist; it seems that he has a hard time grasping that God can foreknow how something is going to play-out, yet not actually manipulate how it will turn out.

I think there is no problem with people in either of the two camps receiving the gift of salvation, I just think Calvinists miss-out a little bit when it comes to wrestling with the mysteries of God.

Do a little research into Calvin the person; it might change your attitude a bit about his credibility (not that a broken clock is still right twice a day though).

Personally I'm Calvinist.
I used to sit in the middle and saw many brethren fight for one view or the other. Years later I started realizing I had more reformed theology view. No I will not get into a debate it either.

Early on as a baby Christian I firmly believed in Arminianism. The church I attended took more of a compatiblism theology meaning they believed both free will and predestination as a means to salvation & if a brethren questioned any of the pastors on why they rarely teach or speak on predestination (even if the text was about it) the brethren would be basically "kicked out".

Yes there are numerous views on theological salvation (soteriology) and how & when it's obtained, if you can lose it or not etc....

I've never delved too deeply into either camp. Both have things I agree and disagree with...

It's always an interesting discussion.

Mike

10$ words for a priceless answer


To be frank

I'd have to look up both words just to know what they are. I'm a believer in Jesus Christ (virgin birth, perfect life, death, burial, and resurrection). I believe that repentance and that belief are all u need to be saved. I don't believe anyone can be Saved by works or baptism. Also, I believe all mankind have a choice weather or not to be saved. I do believe Jesus Christ was God in man form. I do believe in a triune God. I do believe salvation has been existent through out old and new testament.

I quickly grew tired of religions, traditions, and 10$ words in my search for truth.

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

If God has chosen ahead of time who will be saved and who will be excluded from salvation it kind of flies in the face of God "not wanting anyone to perish". Apparently God can want something.

This thread will go in multiple directions real quick.


I appolagize in advance.

I'm an arminian believer. It's God's will that everyone would be saved. There's a Bible verse to back me up. But if someone is a Calvinist I don't want to get into an argument with anybody. I got a crazy uncle that rails against Calvinism.

Well, I have to say the discussion has been enlightening and civil thus far. Thanks for that.
Plus, after googling "soteriology comparison" I am on my way to some of the answers I seek.
But please, continue the discussion. All I ask is we keep it civil.

I don't believe either word can be found in the Bible and I would rather research the Bible rather than some other mans point of view. I agree with what brianmall wrote and more.

Second thought I don't want in on the argument that's sure too come!
Colt

Armininan, probably closer to Wesleyan armininan.

What brianmall said, I think too many look to others for info instead of reading what the Word of God says. IMO

I like to consider myself a Christian, but not an intellectual. I believe in keeping it simple. John 3:16!!!! It's recited every Sunday morning at the church I go to before service.

I was raised in the Assembly of God church, my grandparents were some of the most Godly people I have ever met

I gave my lot to CHRIST in the fifth grade standing near my school, by myself I just choose Him there. I actually showed that spot to my son last week

I went my own way as a teenager and early 20s.

I started attending a legalistic Bible Church in my mid 20s. Met some very godly people there

For the last 16 years I've been going to a independent church that preaches CHRIST and Christ crucified

Have met some very godly people here too

And in all three of those churches I also met people I would not trust as far as I can throw them

My point to this is, I don't think we can put a finger on what church or denomination is "right" Personally I think GOD made or salvation easy through trusting his sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I think if we say we need more than faith in CHRIST we are saying "Gods sacrifice wasn't good enough for me, I need more".

Church attendance and worship of God is what we do when we gather as well as learn more about who God is and what he wants for us and from us

Each man in his heart will decide "do I need God's grace? And do I accept his Grace (Jesus Christ) ? That's salvation, everything else is obedience and worship or not

That's my understanding and belief

Obviously God is prompting you for a deeper knowledge and relationship with him .As A Catholic I have no comment on your question but I wish you well and pray the Holy Spirit will guide you on your journey .Grace and Peace to you my friend !

I'll be completely honest, when I became a Christian I didn't know anything other than what I was taught as a catholic. Within a year I went to School of Ministry (graduated). It was there I was learning a lot. In my class were many with various soteriology views (Armenian, reformed etc...) heard and partook in numerous debates regarding it. I stated my views earlier in the thread.

15 months later sold all I had moved to Jerusalem to go to bible college. Had 15 roommates with various soteriology views as well. Talked with Jews Christians and muslims daily about the bible eternity etc...amongst other things. Seen a few orthodox Jews, casual Jews, and muslims come to salvation.

Shortly after I moved back from Jerusalem through my self studies I felt God showing me I held a reformed theology view.
This was part of how and why I hold a reformed view point.

X2 between the Bible and the Holy Spirit the answers normally can be found in my experience.

Romans 10:13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Whoever wants to get saved, can, but God wont force you. That simple. I'm just a Bible believer. God said it, that settles it.

I don't know that it matters one way or the other. Believe and repent and you'll be saved, plain and simple. Whether that's because you chose God or he chose you, who cares? Personally I'm of the mindset that we choose God, but that he pre-knew that we would choose him. SO kinda both I guess.