The Gospel Of Mark

Calvinism

Vs

Arminianism

In approaching this topic I think it is very important that I communicate where I stand on

the issue. There has been many divisions because of a lack of knowledge and open

mindedness. We like to always put God in a box. You can't put God into a box. I believe

that both Theologies apply and are supported by scripture. There are also some flaws in

both Theologies. The idea of corporate election and predestination has one major flaw

which the Scriptures does not seem to support. God's foreknowledge was the basis of His

election and predestination. Since God knew everything as though it were in the present,

and His election and predestination were based on His foreknowledge, and since He

knew everyone who was foreknown or predestined, then God's predestination had to be

individual just as His knowledge was.

It is very important that we cover the history of the two theologies. First we will cover

reformed theology, Calvinism. There are many people in history who have made a very

big impact on their culture, times, and or religion.

John Calvin was by far one of these few great people. He had

such a big influence in the time which he lived from 1509 to

1564. John Calvin devoted almost his whole life to the promoting of Protestantism and

made such a difference that his impact is still seen today in Christianity.

Calvin was born in France and was the second son in his family of five brothers. He grew

and then decided to go to the famous University of Paris to study to be a priest. His father

then had a conflict with the bishop who employed him so he then turned to the study of

law. While he was studying in Paris he came across the writings of Martin Luther. His

cousin then introduced him to the ideas of reformation. Protestantism began gathering

momentum all over Europe. Then by 1533 Calvin began getting involved with the

movement. That year Calvin had his salvation experience. He wrote about it later and

stated, "God subdued and brought my heart to surrender. It was more hardened against

such matters than was to be expected in such a young man." Calvin then knew to full fill

his place with God he would have to turn away from the Roman Catholic church, so that

is exactly what he did.

His first attempt was November first that year. He gave a speech just like Martin

Luther's, attacking the church and demanding a reform. He figured that if he spoke to the

people and educated them on Protestantism then they would be ready to make changes in

the Roman Catholic church. It did not turn out his way at all. This resulted in anti-

Protestant protests all over Paris, forcing him to flee for his own safety. He roamed from

place to place and then ended up in Basle, Switzerland. This is where he started his

writing. You see John Calvin was considered a quiet, timid natured man. The kind of man

who would never fight in disputes. In his time there he really got to do the things he

wanted to accomplish out of life. These were to study and learn about God and his holy

word.

After this he went to Geneva after getting kicked out for his teachings he got invited back

to help turn the city around spiritually. He never held a political office in Geneva but he

ruled with strictness and sin was punished. He had laws passed to promote Christian

behaviour. Persecuted Protestants fled from all over Europe to reside here.

One last thing Calvin is known for is his theology. This is put together in a Calvinism.

The ideas of the Calvin doctrine are men are completely unable to save themselves with

their own works. Salvation is a matter of God's choosing those who will be saved, and

that God chooses without any consideration of a man's good works. If someone is chosen

of God, there was no way they could ever reject Christ or fail to endure to the end of their

Christian life. Finally, he taught that Jesus died only for the people who God chose. This

is called limited atonement and is one of Calvin's most controversial doctrines in

Calvinism. As you can see John Calvin was truly a great man. Through his writings,

speeches, and Calvinism he really reached his goal in life to learn about God and his holy

word. John Calvin devoted almost his whole life to the promoting of Protestantism and

made such a difference that his impact is still seen today in Christianity.

Augustine on Absolute Foreknowledge

In The City of God, Book XI, c.21, page 364, anticipating these motifs of

Calvinism, Augustine explained God's Knowledge on the