Is Enduring Word Calvinist or Arminian?
Q: Does Enduring Word lean more toward Wesleyan or Calvinist doctrine?
A: I don’t feel a need to subscribe to any system of theology, such as Calvinism or Wesleyanism. There are points on which I think both Calvinistic and Wesleyan theology are good, and others in which I think they’re incorrect. I just don’t feel a need to endorse any systematic theology in toto. I endeavor to establish my theology biblically. I know people in those camps would say the same thing. But my pursuit of biblical theology means that I don’t have to endorse any particular system or binary option. People can assume that those are the only two options: either Calvinist (Reformed) or Arminian (Wesleyan). But that’s not the case. In general, we just prefer to be biblical. Calvinist and Arminian brethren hate it when we say, “Well, we are just biblical” when we don’t subscribe to their views.
My pursuit of biblical theology leads me to say that I think the Calvinist is right on some points and the Arminian is probably right on some other points. Spurgeon said, “I have been called an Arminian Calvinist or a Calvinistic Arminian and I am quite content so long as I can keep close to my Bible. I desire to preach what I find in this Book whether I find it in anybody else’s book or not.” (1881: source)
I do not agree with Spurgeon on every point of theology. But Spurgeon also said, “There has long been a great doctrinal discussion between the Calvinists and the Arminians upon many important points. I am myself persuaded that the Calvinist alone is right upon some points, and the Arminian alone is right upon others. There is a great deal of truth in the positive side of both systems, and a great deal of error in the negative side of both.” (1876: source)