Arminianism/Calvinism and the Devil

[prism]

Would you say the theology of Arminianism contains more of the devil and his workings than the theology of Calvinism?

 

[Rella]

Would you say the theology of Arminianism contains more of the devil and his workings than the theology of Calvinism?

No

 

[Arial]

Would you say the theology of Arminianism contains more of the devil and his workings than the theology of Calvinism?

The non-denomination/charismatic branches certainly do. They go around rebuking the devil, blaming him for every mishap and personal failings.

 

[prism]

The non-denomination/charismatic branches certainly do. They go around rebuking the devil, blaming him for every mishap and personal failings.

In more serious terms, I was thinking in terms of the sovereignty of God, where Calvinists tend to see God as actively working in all things. In contrast, Arminianism has man and his will active, giving more opportunities for the devil to intefere.

 

[Rella]

In more serious terms, I was thinking in terms of the sovereignty of God, where Calvinists tend to see God as actively working in all things. In contrast, Arminianism has man and his will active, giving more opportunities for the devil to intefere.

Grok Ai says this

Where does free will fit in with salvation?

Great question—free will and salvation are debated across Christian traditions, and Ephesians gives clues without spelling out a full theory. Let’s break it down biblically, simply, and honestly.

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1. What Ephesians Actually Says​

Verse	Key Point
Eph 2:8	Saved by grace through faith — and this (the whole thing) is God’s gift.
Eph 1:4–5	God chose/predestined us before the world began.
Eph 2:1–3	We were dead in sin, following Satan, by nature children of wrath.

Takeaway:

• We were spiritually dead — not neutral, not slightly sick.
• God initiated everything: He made us alive (v.5), gave grace, gave faith.
• No verse in Ephesians says we "chose God first" with unaided free will.

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2. So Where’s Free Will?​

The Bible never uses the term "free will" in relation to salvation, but it does show human responsibility:

Example	Verse	Meaning
Repent & Believe	Mark 1:15	Jesus commands response — implies ability to obey or reject.
Choose This Day	Joshua 24:15	People are held accountable for choices.
Whoever Believes	John 3:16	Salvation is offered — belief is required.

So:

• Yes — Humans must believe, and that choice is real and meaningful.
• No — That choice is not self-generated; dead people don’t choose life unless God first makes them alive (Eph 2:5).

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3. Two Major Views (Simplified)​

View	Core Idea	Key Verse
Calvinism (Reformed)	God unconditionally elects some. Faith is a gift given only to the elect. Free will exists, but is bound by sin until God frees it.	Eph 2:8 – “this is not your own doing”
Arminianism	God offers grace to all. People can freely accept or reject. Faith comes before regeneration.	John 3:16 – “whoever believes”

Both agree:

• Salvation is by grace alone.
• We must believe.
• We cannot save ourselves.

They differ on:

• Order: Does faith cause new birth? Or does new birth enable faith?
• Scope: Is grace irresistible (Calvin) or resistible (Arminian)?

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4. A Balanced Biblical Picture​

Think of it like this:
text
[Spiritual Death] → God gives life & faith (Eph 2:5,8) → We believe (real choice) → Salvation

• God raises the dead → We respond with faith.
• Our "free will" is real, but liberated by grace — not independent.

Analogy: A prisoner in chains can’t free himself. The king opens the door (grace). The prisoner walks out (faith) — his choice, but only possible because the king acted first.

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Final Answer​

Free will fits in like this:

• You must trust Christ — that choice is yours and real.
• But you only choose Him because God first chose you, gave you life, and granted faith (Eph 1–2).
• No boasting — it’s all grace.
• No passivity — you must believe.

John 6:44 (Jesus): “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” John 6:37: “All that the Father gives me will come to me...”

Want a one-page chart comparing views? Or how to explain this to a friend? Just ask.

 

[prism]

Want a one-page chart comparing views? Or how to explain this to a friend? Just ask.

Not really. Much of this is review, thanks.

 

[prism]

No

ok, just asking. lol

 

[His clay]

In more serious terms, I was thinking in terms of the sovereignty of God, where Calvinists tend to see God as actively working in all things. In contrast, Arminianism has man and his will active, giving more opportunities for the devil to intefere.

I would suggest that neither one is more than the other. While it is true that the Arm side is heavy leaning on the will, it is also true that in Cal we see the reality that God employs means within His sovereign working. Both sides would see the Devil's working in different ways (ultimate vs non-ultimate), but they would also see it as much as scripture allows, which leaves both at the same amount.

In other words, just because God is sovereign does not mean that agents are inactive or discounted; rather, God's sovereignty is the backdrop upon which the play of human and demonic history plays out. Compatibilism does not eliminate means, but rather it establishes means upon different grounds the the Arm.

 

[Carbon]

Would you say the theology of Arminianism contains more of the devil and his workings than the theology of Calvinism?

I would say it contains more of humanism. Arminianism that is.

 

[Carbon]

Grok Ai says this

Where does free will fit in with salvation?

Keep in mind, Calvinism does not deny free will.

 

[Carbon]

I would suggest that neither one is more than the other. While it is true that the Arm side is heavy leaning on the will, it is also true that in Cal we see the reality that God employs means within His sovereign working. Both sides would see the Devil's working in different ways (ultimate vs non-ultimate), but they would also see it as much as scripture allows, which leaves both at the same amount.

In other words, just because God is sovereign does not mean that agents are inactive or discounted; rather, God's sovereignty is the backdrop upon which the play of human and demonic history plays out. Compatibilism does not eliminate means, but rather it establishes means upon different grounds the the Arm.

Indeed. And the devil is just a pawn.

 

[Rella]

Keep in mind, Calvinism does not deny free will.

OK, I am not following your thought here.

Calvinism = Predestination Correct?

Then how does Free will come in? Unless you are talking of the everyday living situations as no one thinks we are Stepford people.

For me, I only see predestination as coming about in relation to God's foreknowledge of what I will or will not choose to have faith in
in my life, and by him knowing what I will decide... (already done) ... I am predestined for what we all want, but it was my choice.