About predestination and election

About the doctrine of predestination, I’m still more inclining towards Arminianism. When I read about the debate between Jacobus Arminius and his colleague, Francis Gomarus, a firm believer in predestination in the strictest sense, I tend to find it hard to believe that God makes salvation available only to those He chose beforehand. It’s hard to face the fact that Jesus’ atonement is limited to some or he died only for the elects.

The five doctrines or the hallmark of orthodox Calvinism came out from the Synod of Dort (1618-19) maybe easily remembered by the word “TULIP.” No, it’s not about the spring flower; it’s about some theological aspects of Calvinism, which some people find it hard to identify with.

T= total depravity
U= unconditional election
L= limited atonement
I= irresistible grace
P= perseverance of the saints

Jesus said no one can come to Him unless the Father who sent Him drew that person (John 6:44), it argues well for the predestination of the elects. Sin, by definition, is our rebellious attitude against a holy God, so how can we a sinner turns to God if it is not by His saving grace? In essence, the followers of Calvinism are saying salvation is all in all and through all God’s grace – the sovereign will of God to predestine who would be saved.

Of course, not many people, including non-Calvinists would deny the sovereignty of God. According to the understanding of Arminius, God’s predestination of who would be saved is not about election for it means God rejecting others, but it relates more to His divine foreknowledge of who would respond to Christ’s unlimited offer of salvation.

If my interpretation is correct, it means when you are saved, it’s because God already knows you will respond to His invitation of salvation, and thus God predestines you to be saved beforehand. The ‘good’ thing in such case is we are being given an opportunity to participate in God’s redemption work. Nonetheless, such idea is exactly the primary reason that Calvinism against. Salvation belongs to the Lord, how can we have any part in it?

Honestly, I don’t have any answer as to who (Calvinists or Arminians) are more accurately reflecting the theological truth of God’s predestination. I simply believe that our God is faithful and just, and He will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness if we confess our sins. Since God is faithful and just, He will forgive us our sins not only on certain days but everyday, and will purify not only my sins but your sins as well. Amen.

Hear the Word of God:
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1&2)