Election: Scripture for Arminian View

Question 1

State Arminian view of Election

Answer 1

God’s election is “conditional”, i.e. predicated on foreseen faith in the believer. God elects those whom he foresees will respond in faith to the gospel. The elect are chosen “not by absolute decree, but by acceptance of the conditions of the call…election is by those means which make men righteous and holy” (Wiley).

Question 2

Ezekiel 33:11 (+argument)

Answer 2

Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Argument: Cited by John Wesley is the pamphlet, “Serious considerations on Absolute Predestination,” with reference to the concept of an unconditional reprobation.

Question 3

Mk 1:15 (+argument)

Answer 3

and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’

Argument: The command to repent and believe implies the human ability to respond to the gospel, as assisted by the grace that God himself supplies (prevenient grace)

Question 4

John 3:16 (+argument)

Answer 4

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Argument: God’s love extends to the entire world; only unbelief excludes the sinner from enjoying the saving benefits of the gospel.

Question 5

Romans 8:29 (+argument)

Answer 5

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Argument: In the Arminian view, God elects those whom he foresees will respond in faith to the gospel.

Question 6

Ephesians 1:4 (+argument)

Answer 6

even as he [God] chose us in him [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

Argument: God elects those whom he foresees will respond in faith to the gospel.

Question 7

List of verses to support Arminian view

Answer 7

List of verses to support Arminian view:

1. Ezekiel 33:11
2. Mark 1:15
3. John 3:16
4. Romans 8:29
5. Ephesians 1:4