Answer
No, Arminianism is not heresy. Like Calvinism, though, its doctrines have sparked considerable debate within theological circles. The degree to which Arminianism is viewed as biblical or unbiblical depends largely on the theological perspective from which it is evaluated.
Arminianism is a theological framework that responds to specific interpretations of predestination and grace associated with Calvinism. Named after its founder, Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius (1560—1609), Arminianism emphasizes free will, conditional election, and the potential for apostasy.
Arminianism arose in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries as a reaction against Calvinism. Jacobus Arminius, initially a Calvinist, began to question some of the core ideas of Calvinism, particularly the doctrine of unconditional election—the belief that God predestines specific individuals to salvation without regard to any foreseen merit or faith on their part. Arminius proposed an alternative view that emphasized human free will and responsibility more.
After Arminius died in 1609, his followers systematized his teachings into what became known as the Five Articles of Remonstrance, which were later presented to the Dutch government in 1610. These articles articulated five key aspects of Arminian theology. The Synod of Dort (1618—1619), convened to address this growing theological controversy, ultimately rejected the Remonstrants’ views and reaffirmed the Calvinist doctrines in what became known as the Five Points of Calvinism. Here are the five main points of theology held by Arminians:
• Partial Depravity: Arminianism teaches that humanity is depraved but still able to seek God. We are fallen and tainted by sin but not to the extent that we cannot choose to come to God and accept salvation, with the help of prevenient grace from God. Given such grace, human will is free and has the power to yield to the influence of the Spirit. (Note: many Arminians reject partial depravity and hold a view very close to Calvinistic total depravity.)
• Conditional Election: Arminianism teaches that God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of who would freely choose to believe in Christ. Rather than being arbitrary or unconditional, God’s election is conditioned upon faith, which God foresees in those who will ultimately be saved.
• Unlimited Atonement: Arminians believe Christ’s atonement is available to all humanity, not just the elect. This view holds that Jesus died for the entire world’s sins and that salvation is available to anyone who believes in Him.
• Resistible Grace: Contrary to the Calvinist notion of irresistible grace, Arminianism asserts that God’s grace, while necessary for salvation, can be resisted. Humans have the free will to accept or reject God’s offer of grace.
• Conditional Salvation: Arminians maintain that a true believer can fall from grace and lose salvation if he does not persevere in faith. Christians can refuse to maintain their salvation and actively reject the Holy Spirit’s influence in their lives. (Note: many Arminians deny conditional salvation and instead hold to eternal security.)
Whether Arminianism is viewed as heretical depends on one’s theological system. Those who argue that Arminianism is heretical often point to its perceived undermining of God’s sovereignty and its emphasis on human free will. From a strict Calvinist perspective, Arminianism appears to elevate human choice at the expense of God’s sovereign election, potentially leading to a works-based understanding of salvation. This concern is particularly acute regarding the doctrine of conditional election, which suggests that human decision plays a role in God’s saving actions, contrary to the Calvinistic emphasis on God’s unilateral initiative in salvation.• Conditional Election: Arminianism teaches that God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of who would freely choose to believe in Christ. Rather than being arbitrary or unconditional, God’s election is conditioned upon faith, which God foresees in those who will ultimately be saved.
• Unlimited Atonement: Arminians believe Christ’s atonement is available to all humanity, not just the elect. This view holds that Jesus died for the entire world’s sins and that salvation is available to anyone who believes in Him.
• Resistible Grace: Contrary to the Calvinist notion of irresistible grace, Arminianism asserts that God’s grace, while necessary for salvation, can be resisted. Humans have the free will to accept or reject God’s offer of grace.
• Conditional Salvation: Arminians maintain that a true believer can fall from grace and lose salvation if he does not persevere in faith. Christians can refuse to maintain their salvation and actively reject the Holy Spirit’s influence in their lives. (Note: many Arminians deny conditional salvation and instead hold to eternal security.)
Defenders of Arminianism argue that it remains firmly within the bounds of Christian orthodoxy. They contend that Arminian theology upholds the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, such as the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the authority of Scripture. Moreover, Arminians emphasize that their theology is grounded in a sincere effort to reconcile the biblical teachings on God’s love, human responsibility, and the universal offer of salvation.
Many respected Christian theologians and denominations have embraced Arminianism or Arminian-influenced theology, including John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and various Baptist and Pentecostal traditions. Debates continue over some of the finer points of Arminianism, but, for Arminians and many within the Holiness tradition, it is a legitimate interpretation of biblical Christianity. There are other perspectives on the process and order of salvation, but the system known as Arminianism is not heresy.
