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I have been trying to do a brief study of the back grounds of the men who developed the theological camps there are today. I am aware that John Calvin is where we get Calvinism, but I would like to know from whom we get Arminianism. I have had litle results in discovering his name. If you and your staff could help me I would appreciate it.

Jacob Arminius is the Latin form of the name of Jacob Hermann, (1560-1609), a Dutch theologian. After receiving strict Reformed training, he had doubts about the some of the Calvinistic beliefs with respect to the sovereign grace of God in salvation and related themes. He and his followers who were called Arminians, drafted a "Remonstrance" which stirred up controversy throughout Europe. To respond to the Arminian challenge, the Synod of Dort convened in 1618-19 with delegates from several countries. The five points of the Remonstrance were condemned by the Synod, but were maintained and developed in the Netherlands by various teachers. Their differences with the traditional Reformed faith spread through other European countries and now throughout the world. Much of evangelicalism is influenced by this system of theology.

The first article of the Remonstrance implies that God elects to salvation or reprobation according to His foreknowledge of some supposed human worthiness or unbelief. This is contrary to many Scripture references such as, Romans 3:10-12;* "There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God . . . There is none who does good, no, not one," and, Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

The fifth article states that believers partake of eternal life and have power to strive against Satan. However, whether they can fall from grace and be lost is a matter "that must be more particularly determined out of Holy Scripture before we can teach it with the full persuasion of our minds." But Jesus said, "And I give unto them (believers) eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one" (John 10:28-30). Some may say, "But Satan can." No scripture says this, and we say, "Is Satan stronger than God?" Of course not!

May these comments be helpful in your study of those who developed the theological systems, some of which result in such confusion among Bible students today.

*Scripture references are from the New King James Version
 
 

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