Topic > Grace, Faith, Free Will - 1228

Grace, Faith, Free Will is a book written by Robert E. Picirilli. In the preface, he states that his purpose, in composing this book, was to explain Calvinism and Arminianism, and their positions in order, "to help readers decide intelligently for themselves" which is which correct(s). Accordingly, the author writes thirteen chapters, which are divided into five sections dealing with the issue of Calvinism and Arminianism. The first section, of this book, is labeled as historical setting, which contains only the first chapter. The author states that the first chapter is “a 'historical theological' treatment of the issues that divide Calvinists and Arminians” (3). The author summarizes Arminius' life, which includes his childhood, education, occupations, and death (4-17). The author also provides explanatory details about Arminius' objection to the doctrine of Calvinism (6-15). The second section of the book is entitled Plan of Salvation and contains chapters two through four. Section two deals with God's decrees, or the decisions God made before creation regarding salvation (19). In chapter two, the author lays out the Calvinist view, which dealt with the concept of God, man, and salvation (21-23). The author also defines predestination positively, which is the “election to salvation,” and negatively, which is the “bypass of regeneration” (27-31). In the third chapter, the author explains the doctrines that Calvinism and Arminianism agree and disagree on (35-43). The author then defines that the elect are people who believe in Christ, and that reprobation is made up of people who have chosen not to believe (48). He states that the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism... in the middle of the paper... write about apostasy, but with the aim of using the Letter to the Hebrews and Second Peter to demonstrate the correctness of the doctrine of apostasy (211). Therefore, the author lays out the context, theme, and structure of Hebrews, with the goal of uncovering the meaning of Hebrews 6:4-6. (211). He concludes his study on the Jews; stating that “personal apostasy from a truly regenerate condition is really possible and recovery from it impossible” (228). He then reveals, after presenting information about Second Peter, that Peter also believed in apostasy (229-232). In the conclusion of this book, the author reiterates in simple words what Calvinism and Arminianism believe. In his words, he states that Calvinism "sees salvation by election without regard to any decision of man" and Arminianism sees salvation through the grace of God, which allows man to place his faith in Him. (235).