Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically

by Beth Felker Jones

Calvinist soteriology is monergistic, meaning that God is the only actor in salvation. Arminian soteriology is synergistic, meaning that God works together with human beings in the process of salvation. Calvinist soteriology locates the basis for election in God’s sovereign will; Arminian soteriology locates that basis in God’s foreknowledge of those who will believe in Christ. Calvinists tend to worry that Arminians are underestimating the enormity of sin and returning to the error of works righteousness. Arminians respond that grace empowers every part of salvation, that to claim that grace works with human freedom is no insult to grace and, more, is typical of the personal and loving God who wants true relationship with human beings. Arminians tend to worry that Calvinists have created a capricious and cruel picture of God, who would leave some without hope of salvation. Calvinists respond that God needs no defense from us, that whatever God chooses is good because God is God, and, more, it is a loving God who would choose to save anyone when all are justly condemned sinners. Calvinists find comfort in a God who elects without imposing conditions, Arminians in a God who offers salvation to all, and both in the God whose magnificent and free grace reaches out to us in our helplessness.