Predestination and Free Will

The Issue

Scripture contains both passages stating that God chose beforehand those who would be saved (Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:29-30) and passages stating that whoever believes will be saved (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:4). The question at issue is how these two sets of passages are to be understood together.

The Calvinist Explanation

Calvinism holds that human beings have been rendered wholly incapable by sin and cannot come to God on their own; salvation is therefore God's sovereign grace from beginning to end. In this view, God gives irresistible grace to those He has unconditionally elected and preserves them to the end. The Synod of Dort (1618–1619) summarized this teaching in five articles. The Presbyterian denominations in Korea stand in this tradition. Proponents explain that this position gives glory to God alone, since the ground of salvation lies in no way within the human person.

The Arminian-Wesleyan Explanation

Arminianism holds that God first gives grace (prevenient grace) to all people, enabling them to respond to the gospel. It understands predestination as grounded in God's foreknowledge of who will believe. Human beings can also reject grace. John Wesley carried this tradition forward, and Methodists, the Holiness Church, Full Gospel churches, and The Salvation Army belong to it. Proponents explain that this position does justice both to the passages declaring that God desires the salvation of all people and to human responsibility.

Mutual Criticisms

Calvinists criticize the opposing view for leaving a human share in salvation and thereby weakening grace. Arminians criticize the opposing view for portraying God as one who loves only some and for weakening the motivation for evangelism. Each side responds that these criticisms misunderstand its position.

The Situation in the Korean Church

Although Presbyterians are the most numerous in membership, revival meetings and evangelistic preaching have emphasized "decision" regardless of denomination. For this reason, some observers note that the actual language of faith in Korea blends the two traditions. Both positions are found among Baptists.