Arminianism:  Conditional Election - God's choice of certain individuals unto salvation before the foundation of the world was based upon His foreseeing that they would respond to His call. He selected only those whom He knew would of themselves freely believe the gospel. Election therefore was determined by or conditioned upon what man would do. The faith which God foresaw and upon which He based His choice was not given to the sinner by God (it was not created by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit) but resulted solely from man's will. It was left entirely up to man as to who would believe and therefore as to who would be elected unto salvation. God chose those whom He knew would, of their own free will, choose Christ. Thus the sinner's choice of Christ, not God's choice of the sinner, is the ultimate cause of salvation.

Reformed (Calvinism) Unconditional Election - God's choice of certain individuals unto salvation before the foundation of the world rested solely in His own sovereign will. His choice of particular sinners was not based on any foreseen response of obedience on their part, such as faith, repentance, etc. On the contrary, God gives faith and repentance to each individual whom He selected. These acts are the result, not the cause of God's choice. Election therefore was not determined by or conditioned upon any virtuous quality or act foreseen in man. Those whom God sovereignly elected He brings through the power of the Spirit to a willing acceptance of Christ. Thus God's choice of the sinner, not the sinner's choice of Christ, is the ultimate cause of salvation.

Posted by Mydogfoxy

Happy birthday Mom!

Love,
Brianna

Posted by mpetit

for posting these view points = they are interesting to consider. I say this very humbly ... do these viewpoints cause people to stumble in their faith? I know that I shall not, even though I don't completely understand the concepts though I may have heard parts of them before.
I shall keep trying to follow Jesus and thank Him for saving me, even if I never figure out if I am doing it right. My life without Him would be no life at all : )

Keep your eyes on Him,
Michele

Posted by lisa1861

Hi Michelle,

Well, these five points I have posted are more than opinions, they are beliefs. They are the basis of the reformed faith (Luther and Calvin), and expounded upon in the Westminster Confession of Faith (presbyterian) and the London Confession (baptist). They are what the Puritans of the North and the Presbyterians of the South believed when the country was founded. It is what John Bunyun believes, and he wrote that wonderful classic Pilgrim's Progress.

I'm not sure how they would cause anyone to stumble in their faith any more than the Bible would? It is taught in Romans.

R.C Sproul has some great books you might find in the library on the basics of reformed faith. Online you can find articles and mp3 sermons at http://www.monergism.com/

I was deeply programmed with the Roman Catholic teachings as a child, and learning these five truths about scripture set me free, just like Martin Luther! Completely by His grace, His choosing, and His blood have I been saved. What a miracle!

You have a wonderful tender heart to be concerned in such a way. God Bless you!