The errors of Arminianism

Classical Arminianism is not at all compatible with WELS doctrine. Arminianism teaches “decision theology,” the idea that people choose to believe in Jesus as their Savior. Here are a couple of sections from This We Believe, a statement of belief of our synod, which address that false doctrine.

“We believe that people cannot produce this justifying faith, or trust, in their own hearts, because ‘the man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him’ (1 Corinthians 2:14). In fact, ‘the sinful mind is hostile to God’ (Romans 8:7). It is the Holy Spirit who gives people faith to recognize that ‘Jesus is Lord’ (1 Corinthians 12:3). The Holy Spirit works this faith by means of the gospel (Romans 10:17). We believe, therefore, that a person’s conversion is entirely the work of God’s grace. Rejection of the gospel is, however, entirely the unbeliever’s own fault (Matthew 23:37).

“We reject every teaching that people in any way contribute to their salvation. We reject the belief that people with their own power can cooperate in their conversion or make a decision for Christ (John 15:16). We reject the belief that those who are converted were less resistant to God’s grace than those who remain unconverted. We reject all efforts to present faith as a condition people must fulfill to complete their justification. We reject all attempts of sinners to justify themselves before God.”

In his explanation of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed in his Small Catechism Martin Luther wrote: “I believe that I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.”

You will find other references in the Lutheran Confessions on this subject in places like these: The Augsburg Confession (Article XXVIII), the Apology of the Augsburg Confession (Article XVIII) and The Formula of Concord (Article II).

One of the hymns in our hymnal very clearly expresses biblical teaching on conversion: “Lord, ‘tis not that I did choose you; That, I know, could never be, For this heart would still refuse you Had your grace not chosen me” (Christian Worship 380:1).

We praise God for his grace in giving us a Savior (Galatians 4:4-5) and giving us faith that connects us to that Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9).