Arminianism vs. Calvinism...

MaKayla is working through an amazing yet intense American Lit study this year and in turn is reading some great pieces of literature. The book she is preparing to start is 'Sinners In the Hands of an Angry God' by Jonathan Edwards and before embarking on it, she has several prereading activities to complete. As she finished her study work the other day she said, "Mom, I would like you to read over this, think about it and see what you think." That evening I overheard her mention to Kyle, "Dad, I learned about Calvinism vs. Arminianism today and I would like you to read over what I read and see how you feel." Tuesday, as we were preparing to leave my parent's house she hugged my dad (her grandpa whom she dearly loves) and said, "Grandpa, I read something in American Lit today and I would like you to look at it as well and share with me your thoughts about it." I love when our kids are stretched...especially when what they are learning scholastically encompasses spiritual knowledge as well. This is what was contained in her reading:

Calvinism vs. Arminianism: At this time in history within the Protestant churches, two basic systems of belief were in conflict with each other--Calvinism and Arminianism. Calvinism is named after the Swiss reformer, John Calvin, who revived the teachings of St. Augustine, writer of Confessions and the City of God. Calvin's work, The Institutes of the Christian Religion is still studied today in many seminaries. Arminianism is named after the Dutch theologian, Jacobus Arminius who opposed the teachings of Calvin regarding salvation. The differences between the two systems are summarized as following:

Regarding Free Will

Arminianism: God graciously enables every sinner to repent and believe, but He does not interfere with man's freedom. Every sinner possesses a free will, and his eternal destiny depends on how he uses it.

Calvinism: The sinner is dead in sin and is unable to respond to the gospel by himself. Man does not have a free will, but his will is under bondage to sin. The sinner must be regenerated before he can act on God's promises.

Regarding Election

Arminianism: Election of the sinner is conditional upon God's foreknowledge, knowing that certain individuals would choose to accept Christ as their savior. Therefore, the sinner's choosing God is the basis for salvation.

Calvinism: Election of the sinner is unconditional. God chooses certain individuals for salvation based solely on His sovereign will. Therefore, God's choosing the sinner is basis for salvation.

Regarding Redemption

Arminianism: Christ's redeeming work makes it possible for everyone to be saved. However, the atonement did not guarantee the salvation of anyone, since salvation depends upon the sinner's choosing Christ. The Lord's atoning blood only becomes effective if a sinner chooses to accept it.

Calvinism: Christ died for the elect only and His blood secures their salvation. The elect of God is given the gift of faith, which is applied by the Spirit.

Regarding Resisting the Holy Spirit

Arminianism: Since the sinner has a free will, he can resist the wooing of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit does His best to have the sinner choose salvation in Christ; but, ultimately, the sinner must be willing to submit to the grace that is offered by God.

Calvinism: The elect receives a special inward calling that cannot be resisted. The sinner will cooperate and repent and freely come to Christ. God's will cannot be frustrated.

Regarding Eternal Security

Arminianism (or more precisely, a tenet of Wesleyanism): Generally, those who believe are in danger of losing their salvation should they fail to keep the faith.

Calvinism: The believer is secure in his salvation because God's power preserves him.

I would be the first to admit that neither Kyle nor myself have ever really done any research on things such as these however what we read was enlightening. We have always, totally based our faith in Jesus Christ on our interpretation of the Bible through the leading of the Holy Spirit as well as what we have learned and been taught. It especially interested MaKayla because one of her closest quiz friends considers herself a Calvinist however she never really knew what all that encompassed.

It was enlightening yet it doesn't change the basis of my faith... I still see Jesus as the Saviour of the world. I still see Him as the One who chose me. I still see Him as the Way, the Truth and the Life. I still see Him as the One who redeemed my soul and calls me by name. I still see Him as my closest Friend.

I still see Him as Jesus!

I call myself a Christ-follower!

It's Official...

As of 9:30 this morning, it became official...


We've anticipated that this day would come since earlier this spring...


Our baby girl has outgrown her older sister...


A day of victory for one...


A reality to the other that her "genes" trail back to her momma's daddy...


We console/encourage her with, "God has great plans in store for those things that are held in small packages!"...


Both of our girls are confident that:

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful.
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together
in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:13~16


It's official...
The five-and-a-half year younger sister is now taller!

Kindred Spirits... Thoughts from MaKayla...

This past couple of weeks Mal and I, along with Mom and Dad have been watching the "Anne of Green Gables" series of an evening after supper is over. These movies are some of my very favorite and through the years we have acquired all six, making a complete set. If you have ever seen these treasures you would know that one of Anne's favorite things is finding "kindred spirits"... those people that you have a connection with that just can't be explained. It got me to thinking about the kindred spirits in my life...

My Daddy,"Mr. Darcy" :-), My Authority, My Hero,
My Mentor, My Friend ...

My Momma, My Example, My Teacher, My Mentor,
My Strongest Encourager/Listener, My Friend...

Mal, Best Friend, Sister, and Constant Companion...

Bri, My "Twin", My Soul Sister...

Julie, "Adopted Big Sis" #1...

Megan, "Adopted Big Sis" #2...

Becca, My Best Bud...

My Grandpa Billy, My Side Kick, My Amigo,
My Favorite Person to Annoy :-) ...

"Thank you Father, for the kindred spirits in my life! Thank you for their friendship, their support, their love, their encouragement, and for the blessing that they are to me on a day-to-day basis! I love them so very much!"

A little while ago, I did a post on a few of my favorite things. I mentioned that I would have to do it in two parts due to how many favorite things that I actually had...

My Favorite Things ~ Part Two
* Potato Soup
* Artist- Chris Rice
* Jane Austen Movies
* Mom's Homemade Noodles with Mashed Potatoes & Corn
* Artist- Steven Curtis Chapman
* Horses
* Special Times with Grandpa Billy
* White Chocolate Carmel Cappuccino
* Sewing
* Cheesy Potatoes
* Reading
* Artist- Nicole C. Mullen
* Cheesecake

* Design- home, clothes, hair
* Stove Top Stuffing
* Cranberry Limeade from Sonic

I am so very thankful for the people and things that God has so richly blessed me with and I give him All praise and glory!!! I am thankful that each of the things that I enjoy also define me...make me unique and allow me to stand out as a child of God!