What are the five points of Arminianism?

I. Historical Background of the Five Points

The five points often associated with Arminianism originated in the early 17th century when followers of Jacobus Arminius (1560–1609) presented to the Dutch government the “Remonstrance” of 1610. This document contested particular points of doctrine espoused by strict Calvinism. The resulting Remonstrant Articles shaped the five-point summary that has become central in discussions of Arminian theology.

II. Overview of Arminian Teachings

Arminianism, at its heart, underscores God’s desire for a genuine relationship with humanity, emphasizing human responsibility and the universal scope of Christ’s sacrifice. While retaining core Christian doctrines such as salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), it contrasts in notable ways with five-point Calvinism.

Below are the five points, typically listed as:

1. Free Will (or Human Ability)

2. Conditional Election

3. Unlimited Atonement

4. Resistible Grace

5. The Possibility of Falling from Grace

III. Free Will (Human Ability)

Arminians hold that humanity, although seriously impacted by the fall, is enabled by God’s grace to respond to the call of salvation. This “prevenient grace” counteracts humanity’s inherited sinfulness sufficiently to allow a free, authentic choice.

• Scriptural Support: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone” (Titus 2:11). Arminians interpret “to everyone” as denoting that God’s grace precedes and makes possible a person’s decision to follow Christ.

• Commitment to Divine Initiative: The ability to believe is not a presumed inherent goodness, but a result of God’s enabling work. Individuals, therefore, bear responsibility to yield or resist.

IV. Conditional Election

Arminians propose that God’s election of individuals unto salvation is based on His foreknowledge of who will respond in faith, rather than an unconditional, sovereign decree. While God’s wisdom and plan are eternal, He does not override the freedom to accept or reject salvation.

• Scriptural Emphasis: “For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). Arminians see “foreknew” as denoting God’s prior knowledge of who will place their faith in Christ.

• God’s Desire for All: From the Arminian perspective, several passages reinforce that God longs to save everyone. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise… but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

V. Unlimited (or Universal) Atonement

The third point affirms that Christ’s atoning death was for all people without exception, even though only those who trust Christ will actually benefit from it. Arminians teach that no one can claim they were excluded from Christ’s sacrifice.

• Biblical Basis: “He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). Arminians uphold that “the whole world” extends beyond the elect.

• Access to Salvation: Because atonement is offered to all, no one is turned away from salvation who seeks it in Christ (cf. John 6:37).

VI. Resistible Grace

While acknowledging the authority and initiative of God’s grace, Arminian theology insists that people can resist the Holy Spirit’s prompting. Grace is not forced upon anyone; it can be spurned, at least for a time, although God continues to move in sovereign ways to draw individuals.

• Passages Emphasizing Resistance: “You stiff-necked people!… You always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51). In that context, Stephen accuses the religious leaders of refusing God’s truth.

• Nature of Divine Call: While God is omnipotent and His will cannot be ultimately thwarted, He allows the possibility of rejection in order for love and trust to be genuine.

VII. Possibility of Falling from Grace

The fifth point contends that believers must persevere in faith or risk forfeiting their salvation. Arminians vary in how they present this doctrine: some emphasize that while believers can backslide, they can also be restored; others hold a stronger view that persistent, willful unbelief can lead to ultimate apostasy.

• Key Texts: “You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace” (Galatians 5:4). Arminians view such language as a real warning that can apply to believers.

• Nuanced Understanding: Many Arminians highlight the depth of God’s preserving work. The point is not that salvation is fragile, but that genuine faith involves abiding in Christ (John 15:4–6).

VIII. Interplay with Scripture and Historical Debate

The five points of Arminianism have been defended through history across denominations. The debate between Calvinism and Arminianism became a central theological issue at the Synod of Dort (1618–1619), where Arminian viewpoints were officially challenged by the Dortian “TULIP.” Despite this, Arminian scholars continued to show from Scripture the depth and breadth of God’s universal love, human responsibility, and God’s gracious offer of salvation to everyone.

IX. Practical Implications

1. Evangelism and Missions: Arminianism’s emphasis on the universal scope of atonement often inspires fervent evangelism, underscoring that anyone can respond to the gospel.

2. Personal Responsibility: Believers are called to ongoing faith, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and daily submission. The scripts of personal repentance and continued trust reinforce one’s vital role in persevering.

3. Worship and Assurance: While some worry that the possibility of falling away can unsettle believers, Arminians respond that faith is continually upheld by God’s grace. Assurance is found in trusting Christ alone.

X. Conclusion

The five points of Arminianism present a cohesive theological framework built around God’s loving initiative, humanity’s ability (by Him) to respond, Christ’s atonement for all, and the genuine possibility of either receiving or rejecting salvation. Scriptural support for these themes can be traced throughout the New Testament, emphasizing God’s universal love and fair opportunity for sinners to seek and find redemption in Christ (cf. John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9).

Within Christian history, debates over these points have generated much study and discourse, but they ultimately focus on the certainty of God’s desire that all might find eternal life in Him. As such, they remain an influential voice in the sweep of Christian theology, informing personal discipleship and the broader mission to share the gospel message with the whole world.