Theological Position

God’s Contribution in Salvation

Man’s Contribution in Salvation

Pelagianism

Non-Essential – other than granting the grace of free will and the revelation of his commandments that man may know how to please him.

Total. Gains God’s favor with his wise free will choice and strict obedience to the commandments.

Semi-Pelagianism

Secondary. Responds to man’s initiative to repent and believe the gospel.

Primary. Must take initiative to repent and believe the gospel.

Arminianism

Primary. A special act of grace is necessary for any man to repent and believe the gospel.

Secondary. Responds to God’s act of grace by making a free will choice to repent and believe the gospel.

Calvinism

Total. A special act of grace irresistibly calls and enables man to repent and believe the gospel. This grace does not fail to achieve its goal.

Non-Essential. His repentance and faith proceeds from God as a gift of grace.