It is not the intent of this study to attack and weaken the faith of those who may hold to Arminian doctrines. On the contrary, my purpose is simply to teach what the Scriptures say on this most important matter of salvation, and if necessary, to correct false and inconsistent beliefs. I hope the result will be a greater gratitude to God for His saving grace: “for of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36).
When we say that Arminian doctrines are a “works” religion, we are not saying that they hold to a “works righteousness” as such, even though they may come perilously close. The theology of Arminianism does rest on a “work” of man throughout to attain and maintain his salvation. This makes God dependent on man to carry out His plan.
Arminianism has attempted to do the impossible – to say that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, and at the same time, to say that it is not totally by grace. In this it is a failure, for grace is not able to be mixed with works and still remain grace. Therefore, I would hope that anyone caught up in this theology would carefully consider again the consistent truths of Scripture presented in this study.
My primary purpose is to address those whose heritage is in the Reformed faith and who may have doubts or misunderstandings about these doctrines. In some circles today these doctrines are not even taught any longer, and we see the sons and daughters of the Reformed heritage drift off into theological positions and churches whose teachings do not recognize a sovereign God. This is dishonoring to Him.
I hope that this study is more than just a theological exercise, but makes your faith come alive with greater comfort for your souls and thanksgiving in your lives to God.
My greatest desire is that our covenant children understand these truths and will teach them to their children so that it may be said that the faith of our fathers is living still, in the hearts and lives of generations to come.
SOLI DEO GLORIA
Blog post content is taken from Rev. Paul Treick’s book, Faith of Our Fathers, Living Still: A Study of the Five Points of Calvinism, available for purchase. It is posted with the gracious permission of the author.
If you’d like to read the blog series from the beginning, start here.