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Nothing like a good theological fight to start our weekend. And Calvinism vs. Arminianism is the protestant version of Joe Frazier vs. Muhammed Ali.
Which theology wins? This verse, more than any other verse in the Bible, defines the contestants.
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:12b-13, ESV).
Two contradictory statements — “work out your own salvation” (Arminianism) vs. “it is God who works in you” (Calvinism). Do we have a part in our salvation, or does God do it all?
In history, two heavyweight theologians stand in opposite corners of the boxing ring. In one corner, John Calvin for Calvinism (of course, it’s named after him), and in the other corner, John Wesley, perhaps the most well-known Arminian.
Muhammed Ali vs. Joe Frazier and John Calvin vs. John Wesley.
The stakes are high, with millions of dollars at stake in a heavyweight boxing championship while denominations begin, denominations split, theologians debate, and Christians argue in the theological realm.
Let’s define the battle with a John Piper quote. He’s a noted Calvinist, explaining accurately the rules or differences in these two doctrines. . .
I might say it like this: you can tell if someone is an Arminian or a Calvinist by how they answer the question, “What was the decisive cause of your faith in Christ?” So, you go up to somebody, and you ask, “What was the decisive cause of your faith in Christ? Was it God, or was it yourself?” The Calvinist says, “The decisive cause of my faith was God,” and the Arminian says, “The decisive cause of my faith in Christ was myself.”
Do you understand the issues of this discussion? Let’s again read Philippians 2:12-13. . .
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
The Apostle Paul seems to be a “Calminian” or both Calvinist and Arminian. John Calvin would emphasize the “God who works in you,” while John Wesley would point to the “work out your own salvation” phrase.
But Paul says both “work out” and “God who works in you.”
I’m sure that the Apostle Paul, John Wesley, and John Calvin, after several hundred years of discussions in heaven, have worked it all out. Unfortunately, we can’t hear their conclusion right now, and the only thing that we have on this side of eternity for resolution. . . is. . . this. . . Interruption.
HHHHMMMHHM!!!???
We might find help in reading an OG Version of Philippians 2:12-13. . .
Be focused with your actions and thoughts to always glorify Jesus. God gives strength to those who love Him. For God responds in our hearts, according to our love of Him, so that we can understand His will and then strive for obedience.
I’m sure both hardcore Calvinists and Armenians will throw a few punches at this Old Guy Version. It’s okay; I’m not offended, as they haven’t solved the problems with thousands of books over centuries of debate.
So, why can’t I make an attempt?
I believe the decisive point is Jesus – who inspired Paul to write the phrase “work out your” and “it is God who works in you” not to confuse but challenge us to glorify God in all that we do.
In heaven, we can corral Paul, John, and John for complete understanding. I think they will agree with this Interruption.