Explain the different views of salvation seen in Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Overcomers. Which do you believe is right and why? 542 - 2 - 5

 

Wednesday nights at the local Assembly of God Church we are doing an in-depth Bible study of the book of Hebrews. This week we got into a very lively and serious discussion on whether or not one can lose their salvation. The leader of the Bible study, J, also studies CM’s commentaries. J attempted to explain the difference between justification and sanctification. Both she and I take the middle ground that you are justified by faith and rewards and inheritance are earned. As I understand it, this would be the over comers. To quote CM, “Believer can be assured of Eternal Security. There is a distinction between Entering and Inheritance, and Variation of Rewards.

The fundamental principle in Arminianism is the rejection of predestination:

1. People have free-will

2. Conditional election

3. Universal redemption possible

4. One can resist The Holy Spirit

5. Believers can lose their salvation

Calvinism is generally explained by the acronym, TULIP with thanks to Dave Hunt:

“T” stands for Total Depravity

“U” stands for Unconditional Election

“L” stands for Limited Atonement

“I” stands for Irresistible Grace

“P” stands for Perseverance of the Saints

What’s the difference between just simply being allowed to enter the Kingdom and to actually inheriting it? As I understand it, a metachoi is a sort of partner in a work. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” Romans 8:4 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

According to CM's “Inheritance and Rewards” we will receive crowns:

• The Crown of Life is promise for those who have “suffered for His sake.”

• The Crown of Righteousness is promised to those who loved His appearing.

• The Crown of Glory is promised for those who “fed the flock.”

• The Crown Incorruptible is promised for those who press on steadfastly.

• Crown of Rejoicing for those who win souls. 1 Thessalonians 2:19, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”

As I stated above, I take the middle ground between and Calvinism. If one truly internalizes John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" he or she is justified by the work of Jesus on the cross. However, I hope that I will have done enough for the kingdom so that when I cross over, I will hear well done, good and faithful servant.