Pelagianism, semi-Pelagianism and Arminianism

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NOV25

Well-known member
Nov 23, 2019
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#21
Great synopsis.

There's only one thing I might add, which complicates this a bit....I stopped using the term "Arminian" and switched to "free-willer" mainly because of the grades of free-willers that you mention.

But, there's actually one more gradation and I don't know entirely the differences. Jacobus Arminius actually was more monergistic than the Remonstrants, who came to be known as "Arminians" by us. A Seventh Day Baptist discussed this with me, and I did some research and found that he was correct. So, actually true "Arminians" are more like Reformed people than those known as Arminians today.

And, by the way, there used to be a few guys on here who were actually Pelagians. I don't think they are here now, though.

The biggest issue I see is an outright denial of original sin. Some can see that man received a fallen nature from Adam which eventually leads to sin, but they will totally deny the imputation of Adam's sin to mankind, making him guilty of Adam's sin before he actually sinned himself. I acknowledge both, and I don't think that those who deny either believe in original sin, which is a core doctrine of Christianity.

I really don't think the metanarrative of Scripture makes sense if you don't accept certain soteriological truths. But, I guess some are content to hold to a metanarrative that is not internally consistent. I guess I did until the last five years or so.
I see what you're saying about their denial of original sin. When reading Pelagius it seems obvious he understood that man in his fallen state had not the ability to come to saving faith of his own strength, so he makes the erroneous conclusion that man isn't fallen. It's mind blowing really.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
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#22
This meme reflects a very important theme of Scripture.

Pelagians deny the imputed righteousnessness of Jesus.

I personally don't think a person can be saved if they have been properly instructed concerning this truth and continue to reject it knowingly. Jesus Righteousness.jpg

Jesus Righteousness.jpg
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#23
I see what you're saying about their denial of original sin. When reading Pelagius it seems obvious he understood that man in his fallen state had not the ability to come to saving faith of his own strength, so he makes the erroneous conclusion that man isn't fallen. It's mind blowing really.
Yes, and Charles Finney popularized Pelagianism for contemporary Americans.

There is a very good book on this topic.

The Gospel and Charles Finney: The Tragic Pastoral Results of Bad Theology
John Gillespie


https://smile.amazon.com/Gospel-Cha...swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1588159909&sr=8-1


It is not very long and is WELL WORTH READING.

There are tons of evangelical Christians who do not understand the effects of Finneyism.

And, there are campus and street preachers who are conveying Finney's vomit even today.

Sorry that I did not notice your reply..I don't think I read this last post of yours.