Why I Am Arminian

 I have debated this topic for a while in my Christian walk and have come to some conclusions as I researched it .What I am talk about is the Calvinism vs Arminianism debate and have come up on one side. This is the Arminian side of this debate and these are some reasons why.

The first reason is the most central to this issue is free will which goes back to the Garden where Adam and Eve had a choice and unfortunately made the wrong one. Since then we have all become deprived and have the choice whether or not to follow God. There are of course consequences if we choose to follow him or not. This is not taking from the sovereignty of God but as created beings we have we will.

The issue of election which is conditional as we have a choice whether or not we want to accept God’s gift of grace. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.(1Cor 6:1)  It is like if someone gives you a gift, you can choose whether or not to accept the gift. Such as the gift of God’s grace.

There is also the issue of atonement which is universal but it is not to say everyone will be saved. Jesus died for all “For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.(John 3:16  ESV). Christ’s death was for all for mankind and not for an elect few. It was God’s ultimate gift to mankind.

While there is the issue of predestination it is not just for a select few but for all you are willing to come to him. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). Meaning all of mankind has the chance to come to follow the Lord and repent.

And finally, there is “once saved always saved” doctrine which is not believed here one can lose their salvation. An example is in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13) where”some come to know the word of God but are choked out by the cares of the world and the deceitful ness of riches choke the word; and it proves unfruitful.” (Matt 13:22 ESV). Some will and do fall away from the faith and while some say that they were never saved. It is clear some have the Word and lose it for whatever reason.

These are not all but the main reason I follow Arminianism. As I tell others though I am a work in progress.