|
Theological Issue |
Reformed Position (monergism) |
Arminian Position (Synergism) |
|
Original Sin |
Total moral inability, depravity and guilt inherited from Adam. |
Weakness/Sickness inherited from Adam. |
|
The Human Will |
In bondage to sin. Free to choose only according to ones' corrupt, natural desires. Natural man unable to turn to God apart from quickening grace of the Holy Spirit. |
Free to do spiritual/ redemptive good. Natural (unregenerate) man able to produce faith. |
|
Grace of God |
Common grace given to all persons; saving grace given to those the Father has given the Son, the elect (John 6:37, 39, 44, 63-65) |
Prevenient grace given to all persons at some point in life; but saving grace given as a response to those who believe; persevering grace given to those who obey |
|
Predestination |
Based on God’s eternal decree |
Based on God’s foreknowledge |
|
Regeneration |
Holy Spirit is the only efficient agent in regeneration (monergism). Apart from regeneration man is unwilling to lift a finger toward his own salvation. |
God works together with man in regeneration. Man's choice ultimately determines and causes God to regenerate the sinner. (synergism) |
|
Atonement |
Christ’s death is a penal substitutionary sacrifice |
Christ’s death a sacrifice that God benevolently accepted in place of a penalty |
|
Extent of the Atonement |
From all eternity God knew and determined to whom He would apply the benefits of the atonement. It was intended only for those who would believe, the elect. |
Christ died for all men. A sacrifice intended for all, including those who will ultimately suffer in hell. |
|
Application of the atonement |
Sovereignly dispensed by the Holy Spirit at according to the eternal will of God (at a time of His choosing) |
By the Holy Spirit in response to the will of the fallen sinner |
|
Ordo Salutis - Order of Salvation |
Election, predestination, calling, regeneration, faith, repentance, justification, sanctification, glorification |
Calling, faith, repentance, regeneration, justification, perseverance, glorification |
|
Perseverance of the Saints |
Those He Predestined ...He also glorified. (Rom 8:30). Perseverance of the elect based on God's promise. |
Perseverance dependent on the obedience of man. Loss of salvation possible. |
