When most persons think about the difference between Calvinism and Arminianism, they tend to think of the Five Points of Calvinism and, by extension, what could be called Five Counterpoints of Arminianism.
We should not think, however, that there are only five points in Calvinism. The Five Points of Calvinism are really five points that were produced by the Synod of Dort, in response to arguments raised by followers of Jacobus Arminius.
The Five Points are often referred to as the Five Points of TULIP, where TULIP is an acronym for the five points, which are as follows:
- Total Depravity
- Unlimited Election
- Limited Atonement
- Irresistible Grace
- Perseverance of Saints
A Comparison of ARMINIANISM and CALVINISM
So, what is Calvinism? And what is Arminianism? And what are the issues that the five points are addressing? The chart below gives a brief overview of the concerns and issues being addressed …
| The Concern | CALVINISM | ARMINIANISM |
|
What is Man’s Role in his salvation? |
Total Depravity
Man is totally dead … and can contribute nothing to his salvation. |
Man is only wounded … and can contribute to his salvation. |
|
How does God choose a person for salvation? |
Unconditional Election
God’s election of an person is unconditional … and does not depend on anything a person does. |
God’s election of a person is conditional upon how he would respond to the call from God. |
|
What is the scope of Christ’s atonement? |
Limited Atonement
Jesus Christ died for the Elect alone. |
Jesus Christ died for all. Some believe He only suffered for all. |
|
Can A Man resist God’s grace? |
Irresistible Grace
One may resist the general call from God, but not the internal call, which only goes to the Elect. |
Man can resist the call from God. |
|
Can a Believer lose his/her salvation? |
Perseverance of Saints
One cannot lose his/her salvation if one has been truly saved. |
One can lose his/her salvation after being saved. |