
Is salvation the work of God alone? or of man cooperating with God? Is salvation bestowed by God's grace alone? or does man merit it through an act of self-righteousness performed by his own free will?
Church history is highlighted by confrontations on this doctrine. Those who preach salvation involves man's free will and works have ever opposed those who preach salvation by God's grace alone. Scribes and Pharisees opposed Jesus Christ and the apostles. In the fifth century, disciples of Pelagius opposed disciples of Augustine. During the Middle Ages, Roman Catholics opposed Anabaptists and, from 1517, Protestants. And from 1611, Arminians have opposed Calvinists.
The areas of disagreement in this controversy are set forth below.
|
MAN'S FREE WILL
Will of Man Is Free
Election Is Conditional
Every Man Is Redeemed
Denial Confounds Grace
Some Will Lose Salvation |
GOD'S GRACE ALONE
Total Depravity
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistible Grace
Perseverance of the Saints |
These two beliefs are identified by the acronyms WEEDS and
TULIP (see underlinings above).