The Subtle Humanism of Arminianism

Why is it that so many people would describe themselves as Arminian in their theology?
Jacobus Arminius believed God's election was determined by the free will or choice of man.
He believed everyone was capable of choosing to believe.

Okay, so everyone likes the idea of choice.  Why?   Is it not because we want to feel we can control our destiny?  Is there not a bit of pride there to want to say that we did something to help effect salvation?
When the Bible talks about receiving, what do we focus on?  Is it us taking something, or is it God's giving something?
How are dead blind sinners able to receive anything?

Acts 16:14 God opened Lydia's heart to respond to what Paul spoke about.

Ephesians 5:2-10  Christians were formerly dead in their sins, and God made them alive.  
Can a dead person choose to make themselves alive?

Who is Sovereign in salvation?  Do you believe that God is all powerful, or do you believe that He is impotent to save anyone He chooses?  Do you really believe that God's power is dependent on your will?   

John 6:37 All that the Father gives to Jesus will come to Him.

John 3:3  To be saved you must be born again.  This is literally translated as "born from above."

Romans 9:16  So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. (ESV)
or
So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. (NASB)

If you truly believe that people can choose, then could not any and all of God's plans go wrong?
Do you really believe He only looked down the corridors of time and decided that He'd use the death of His Son for salvation without orchestrating it?  Do you believe God is Sovereign and omnipotent or not?   Do you believe God's omniscience is limited or controlled by what we do?
See, those who believe in the doctrines of grace do believe people do have responsibility within the nature they have.  A dead enslaved to sin person can choose to fulfill their sin nature.  It is what we all would do, if God didn't make some alive and to desire Him.

John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
It is God's sheep that hear His voice.

The crux of the matter is what we believe about God and His character.  
If we believe that we are sovereign in salvation, then that is not the Gospel I find in the Bible.

While many make "decisions" to be "Christians," true Christians will be known by their fruit.  
True Christians will repent and manifest a changed life.  It may be gradual, but if there is no evidence at all, there is no true saving faith.  When the root is there, the fruit will be there.   Still, we must be cautious, because think of Peter who denied Christ three times.  Paul did things that he didn't want to do.  So, as what you might call a Calvinist, I do believe that true Christians can struggle with unwanted sin at times. 
Sin should not be dominating the life or excused.   It isn't a matter of losing salvation.  It's a matter of whether one truly is a Christian or a counterfeit "Christian."

If we read the Bible looking for God, we see His choice and power everywhere.  That is the God I want to follow...not one that is limited by me and my choices.   I see a God who works His purposes even though people sin.  This is not a license to willfully sin.  May it never be!

When Scripture Doesn't Fit Your Theological View

I've been listening to a class on historical Theology, and it is amazing to see how false beliefs creep into the church, or how one lone person standing up for the truth of the Bible can be used by God to dispel heresies.  I also can see how heresies came back up and repeated themselves.  This is why doctrine must be based on the inspired Word of God, because man's understanding is fallible.

Many false religions make things up in order to explain what we don't understand about God.  

Our human logic can't fully understand the idea of what we now refer to as the Trinity.
We can accept it, but it is difficult for the human mind to grasp.
Some have made up ludicrous ideas which are used in false religions to try to get around what the Bible teaches...that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one in essence....One God revealed in Three Persons.

It also goes against our grain to think that we can't do anything to earn or help along even a piece of our salvation, so people develop beliefs that incorporate man's effort and ability into their soteriology.
People have it culturally ingrained in them what they have been taught and believe is fair or reasonable.

I admit that I myself have even read Scripture and thought how something seems to go against what I think is Biblical from another passage.
The thing is, I know the Bible is God's Word, so I know that it is my understanding that must be measured and changed by the Bible and not vice versa.  When I don't understand how two things can both be true, it is the time to dig in and search out how things really do fit together.  It's my reasoning that is the problem.  Maybe I won't always be able to grasp everything, so I can use other learned theologians' learning to give me some possible explanations to assist me with my limited knowledge.
Sadly, many people take their reasoning to the Bible and reject anything that contradicts what they already believe or have been taught is true.

When I was young I was introduced to the idea of God's choosing me.  While over the years I was exposed to both views and hybrids of "Calvinism" and "Arminianism", it is through the reading of Scripture that I have been able to see even for myself God's Sovereign Hand choosing, directing, and molding.  I can't fully understand God, but I'm thankful I don't have to depend on me for my salvation.
If I did, I would surely lose it.  I recognize my sin, and I know that I can never be perfect and keep myself in Christ.



Don't Get Caught Up In Wording
Some people get hung up on the wording of the doctrines of grace as presented by John Calvin.
Perhaps this will help you:
Three Ways to Present the Doctrines of Grace - by David Murray

On What Basis Does God Choose?
I've had the blessing of sitting under some excellent teaching at times in my life.  Before moving to Tennessee, we traveled to a church in Upland, CA.  Pastor David did an excellent series on being Chosen by God.  I don't know that the series I heard can be found online anymore, but the following post is an excellent Biblical summary beginning with Genesis.  I assume this has to be written by the David Forsyth I sat under.
Divine Election: The Ultimate Pride Killer By Pastor David C. Forsyth (a former pastor of mine)

Zebras Amongst Brown Horses

There are times when I feel that our family is like a few zebras in a pasture of brown horses.
I've often been in places where I didn't quite fit in.  The more I have grown spiritually the harder it gets.

It is especially difficult in church where a person really wants to feel at home.  I've been in some churches where I was happy...don't get me wrong.  The problem is that when you are looking for a church sometimes you have to "settle" for compromise on some things.  The problem is that unless one rolls over and plays dead and can keep quiet eventually things happen to make it hard to stay.

When a person believes in the Biblical doctrines of grace, you are frowned upon by the people who have not come to a better understanding of Scripture.  They may think you fit in more with reformed people. 
On the other hand, when you try a reformed church you are frowned upon by people who may not accept you for a different view of eschatology or baptism.

Then there is the issue of not believing in women teaching or leading men at church or preaching to groups that include men.  Since for us that includes Sunday School classes and Bible Studies from our understanding of Scripture, it means even I as a woman  may walk out or not go back.

Modesty is also important to me, and this does not mean that we are legalistic.  It means I care enough about the men of the church including family that I believe that the issue should be addressed.  It is a distraction and a struggle for men, and it bugs me that churches are so silent and afraid of the issue.

When you finally find a church that you are happy at circumstances change for one reason or another, and you find yourself having to go back to square one and waiting for God's direction.