What is predestination taught by Calvinism and by Arminianism? And what does it have to do with salvation?
A. Both Calvinism and Arminianism affirm predestination in relation to salvation: those who believe do so as a result of God’s prior decision and action. Both agree with the words of Paul, “Whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (Romans 8:30). However, Calvinism holds that since predestination precedes salvation (that is, calling, justification, and glorification), only those whom God has predestined, or predetermined, can be saved. Arminianism goes back to Romans 8:29 that begins, “Whom He foreknew, He also predestined,” and holds that God’s act of predestination depends on His foreknowledge of those who will believe. On that basis, He predestines them to salvation. Calvinism stresses that salvation is the result of God’s decision prior to our faith; it is in no way based on our believing. Arminianism, to the contrary, holds that only those who believe are predestined to salvation.
