1:15; Eph. Total Depravity might be the most unpopular doctrine of the Christian faith today. Spurgeon was not shy in preaching this truth: The fact is, that man is a reeking mass of corruption. It would no longer be the faith of the Bible. The "T" in TULIP stands for "Total Depravity". These so called five points of Calvinism arose in the seventeenth century, amid great political and theological turmoil in the Netherlands. John 13:18 I do not speak concerning all of you. Rather, it would be the vanity of someones unbiblical and unexegetical mind,heresywhich would infiltrate and hurt the people of God. Calvinism rises and falls on this false idea of total depravity. 1. 20:23; Matt. One who is saved is elected unto salvation unconditionally, and the glory goes to God; one who is damned is lost only because they purposefully rejected Gods grace, all the blame goes to the human person. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. "Five Point TULIP Calvinism Explained." 20:16 [Matt. Summarizing the Canons of Dort with the acronym TULIP has, IMO, done a lot of harm, but it's hard to get away from at this point. For more on this point, see my articlehere, or listen tothispodcast on the subject. Gods grace is universal, yet those who are saved are so by grace alone. Total Depravity is a critical, first lesson that one must learn if they are to truly grasp the depth, beauty, and richness of God's sovereign grace. But thats not what original sin has referred to historically in the church. This does not mean that every person is as evil as they could be or that there is an absolute absence of anything one might call "good," but that every . The difference between Lutheran and Reformed theology on these points is that the Lutheran system allows seeming tensions to stand side by side, as both are affirmed in Scripture. Westminster John Knox Press. The intent, whenever possible, was to Yesterday, I found myself in the enviable position of explaining the difference between reformed theology and "not" reformed theology. Do not be haughty, but fear. Augustines Calvinism: The Doctrines of Grace in Augustines Writings by C. Matthew McMahon PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book Those whom God elected, He will preserve until the end. The word "TULIP" has been used as an acronym for explaining salvation for more than a century. Total Depravity- The Lutheran language on this point differs, as the bondage of the will is spoken of rather than total depravity; this is due to a possible misunderstanding that mankind is as evil as possible (utter depravity). 24:22 [Mark 13:20.] If one of them is removed, then the whole system falls into absurdity and contradiction. God must call people to salvation through unconditional election. Perseverence of the Saints- On this point, as with the fourth, there is both agreement and disagreement. by grace through faith. (Cross, F. L., and Elizabeth A. Livingstone, eds. In eternity past God elected certain people to be saved. Delivered From All Our Sins by Nicholas Byfield PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book 17:9]. 1:11). The idea is that we are not sinners because we sin, but that we sin because we are sinners. It means that the fall was so serious that it affects the whole person. He makes salvation secure by the effectual call of the Holy Spirit. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. The atonement was objectively given for all, but its benefits must be subjectively received by faith. Calvinism insists that God must do all the work, from choosing those who will be saved to sanctifying them throughout their lives until they die and go to heaven. Oct 20, 2021. A more nuanced view, which I would take, is that there is truth to be affirmed in four of the five points. In fact, it only demonstrates your ignorance of what we believe, since NOBODY claims TULIP is the "gospel". Proverbs 21:1 The kings heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Rather, the doctrine of original sin defines the consequences to the human race because of that first sin. Discovering the Wickedness of Our Heart by Matthew Mead PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like Martin Luther before him, John Calvin broke from the Roman Catholic Church and based his theology on the Bible alone, not the Bible and tradition. In Lutheranism, predestination is single rather than double. Through the Fall of Man, humanity is stained by sin in every aspect: heart, emotions, will, mind, and body. BAAN TOTAL DEPRAVITY/TOTAL INABILITY (KERUSAKAN TOTAL/KETIDAKMAMPUAN TOTAL) UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION (PEMILIHAN TANPA SYARAT) LIMITED ATONEMENT/ LIMITED REDEMPTION (PENEBUSAN TERBATAS) IRRESSISTIBLE GRACE (ANUGERAH YANG TDK DPT DITOLAK) For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, 7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, In Isaac your seed shall be called. 8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. Writers for CARM include Calvinists and non-Calvinists. Because salvation is the work of God the Father; Jesus Christ, the Savior; and the Holy Spirit, it cannot be thwarted. - by Dr. Charles Hodge, Irresistible Grace - compiled by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon, Jesus Died for Aliens on Planet Zeno - by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon, Justification by Grace Alone - by Dr. John Calvin, Limited Atonement - compiled by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon, Perseverance of the Saints - compiled by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon, Propositions and Principles of Divinity - by Dr. Theodore Beza (1519-1605), Repentance and Conversion - by Dr. William S. Plumer (1802-1880), The Doctrines of Grace - by Christopher Blum, The Effectual Application of Christ to the Soul by John Flavel, The First Century Church and Grace by William Cunningham, The Five Points of Calvinism - by W.J. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28. However, even that change does not instantly vanquish sin. Prevenient grace. Matt. 25:34; Mark 13:20, 22; Luke 4:2527; Luke 8:10; Luke 10:20; Luke 18:7; Luke 22:22 Matt. 22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion., Deuteronomy 7:6-8 For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. 25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. However, the theological point remains the same. Otherwise you also will be cut off. The Doctrine of Conversion by Nathaniel Vincent PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book 1:4, 5; Mal. That termoriginal sinis often misunderstood in the popular arena. Rom. In Arminianism, mans response to Gods grace is the deciding factor. The doctrine of original sin defines the consequences to the human race because of that first sin. Fallen Man is spiritually blind and deaf The God of All Grace by Henry Newcome PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book The Fall of Adam and Other Works by John Greene PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book Subscribe to CT for less than $4.25/month. 11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. The Principal Causes of Mans Salvation by John Brinsley PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book Psalm 65:4 Blessed is the man You choose, And cause to approach You, That he may dwell in Your courts. All of Gods elect will be finally saved. But, by Matt Slick | Feb 14, 2023 | Questions, People. The first of the five points of TULIP (Calvinism theology) is total depravity. Therefore, original sin has to do with the fallen nature of mankind. God moves the heart of the person where he wishes it to go (Proverbs 21:1). James Rich. It is referring to man's depravity meaning man's natural condition apart from any grace exerted by God to restrain or transform man. TULIP and Reformed Theology: Total Depravity The doctrine of total depravity reflects the Reformed viewpoint of original sin. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. Luke 8:10 And He said, To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand. (Matthew 11:25). The doctrines of graceare the best biblical doctrines you will ever come to know or embrace Jesus Christs Gospel isall of grace. The saved people are called the Elect. The real starting point is in the second article, unconditional election. The Calvinists doctrine of perseverence is the outcome of the doctrine of election. 12:22; 1 Kin. This idea is that if one accepts Christ at some point in their life, they may then live as they please and still gain eternal life. 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble. For many are called, but few chosen.. Five Point TULIP Calvinism Explained. Sproul's new book. The system of Calvinism adheres to a very high view of scripture and seeks to derive its theological formulations based solely on Gods word. 4. Sign up for our newsletter: First, there is what the church callsCalvinism, or more precisely speaking, the doctrines of grace. . Acts 2:46-47 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. Regarding monergism, there is agreement here. Lutherans too argue that perseverance is the sole work of God, not of man. God does not elect based on foreseen faith or merit, but out of pure grace with no regard to the behavior of the elect sinner. No one has ever been saved without believing. Total Depravity is a doctrine that stems from the TULIP. Here are a few quotations from second century church fathers: Deut. This manmade name is for the doctrine man's nature is spiritually corrupted in trespasses and sins. The fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3) seriously hurt humanity. 69 And He built His sanctuary like the heights, Like the earth which He has established forever. T: Total Depravity - Human beings are so affected by the negative consequences of original sin that they are incapable of being righteous, and are always and unchangeably sinful; human freedom is totally enslaved by sin so we can only choose evil. 6:6; Job 23:13, 14; Psa. L - Limited Atonement (sometimes referred to as definite or particular atonement) I - Irresistible Grace. Nick Muyres. One who is saved is elected unto salvation unconditionally, and the glory goes to God; one who is damned is lost only because they purposefully rejected Gods grace, all the blame goes to the human person. He also challenged the Calvinist doctrine of predestination. "Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all mankind, because all sinned" (Romans 5:12). In Calvinism, God is the ultimate and deciding factor in the salvation of individuals. Sproul Ligonier Ministries 550K subscribers Subscribe 170K views 7 years ago What Is Reformed Theology? It is my opinion that the Christian conception of God current in the middle years of the 20th century, is so decadent, as to be utterly beneath the dignity of the Most High God and actually to constitute for professed believers, something amounting to a moral calamity. This is Total Depravity in a nutshell. Issue 12: John Calvin: Reformer, Pastor, Theologian, 1272 Thomas Aquinas Concludes His Word on Summa Theologiae. I believe in total depravity, not in total inability. The body, the mind, the will, the spiritindeed, the whole personhave been infected by the power of sin. 1 Kings 20:42 Then he said to him, Thus says the LORD: Because you have let slip out of your hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people. , 2 Chronicles 6:6 Yet I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name may be there; and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.. The Total Depravity of Man. 2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. In the early seventeenth century, Jacob Arminius, professor of theology at the University of Leiden, came under suspicion by the more orthodox Dutch Calvinists. Calvinism houses the entirety of theInstitutes of the Christian Religion, especially Calvins view on the means of grace. 9:11; 2 Tim. The first doctrine, the "T" of TULIP, is Total Depravity, which teaches what is wrong with the human race. TULIP: Total Depravity When total depravity is addressed, it is the problem of sin that is being talked about. . Foundation laid by Arminius. Joshua 11:20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might utterly destroy them, and that they might receive no mercy, but that He might destroy them, as the LORD had commanded Moses. It describes soteriology, not the "gospel". 2. For more on that point, 5. https://www.learnreligions.com/five-point-calvinism-700356 (accessed March 4, 2023). 2:13, used of Christ as Messiah, Isa. Total Depravity- The Lutheran language on this point differs, as "the bondage of the will" is spoken of rather than total depravity; this is due to a possible misunderstanding that. Below, first there is a summary of the doctrines contained in TULIP, and then Puritans quotations on those individual doctrines. 65:4; Psa. 11:20; 1 Sam. There's an acronym that enables us to easily remember these fundamental points - the word "tulip." The "T" standing for total depravity, which simply means that man is a fallen sinner. The Bible does not tell us precisely why Michael, the archangel, and the devil disputed over the body of Moses. The Will of John Calvin by Thomas Smyth. You can read my article on that subject. 12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? 5:6), dead in his sins (Eph. John 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. as formulated by T. Beza. View our current career opportunities. This doctrine has been adopted by the Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventists, Assemblies of God, Church of God . This label, however, is deficient in one respect. Learn Religions. Wesleyans are utterly pessimistic about human nature and outrageously optimistic about God's grace. Arminius was viewed to have seriously deviated from the orthodox doctrines of justification and election. Total Depravity 37 The intention of this and following articles is to appropriately state and analyze each of the doctrines represented by TULIP by: 1) establish-ing, as necessary, a brief history of the doctrines involved, 2) presenting clearly the Calvinistic and Arminian views of each doctrine, 3) explain- 24:40 v. 41; Luke 17:3436. Sign up for our newsletter: Human beings have "fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). 2:12; 2 Thess. He keeps his saved ones secure so they will inherit the eternal life he has promised them. Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations., Malachi 1:2-3 I have loved you, says the LORD. A Lutheran Evaluation of the Five Points of Calvinism. Support for this belief comes from verses that say Jesus died for "many," such as Matthew 20:28 and Hebrews 9:28. Through the Fall of Man, humanity is stained by sin in every aspect: heart, emotions, will, mind, and body. Theopedia defines it as follows: "[E]very person born into the world is morally corrupt, enslaved to sin and is, apart from the grace of God, utterly unable to choose to follow God or choose to turn to Christ in faith for salvation." Calvinism teaches that the Elect cannot lose their salvation. Hence, they are called the five points of Calvinism. ", P - Stands for Perseverance of the Saints. Those whom God elected, He will preserve until the end. Oct 19, 2016. The Puritans were keenly aware that if the essentials of the Christian faith were overthrown or changed, then true religious faith disappeared. A Biblical Defense. DEAD!!! Total depravity is the T in TULIP, and is the first point of Calvinism. 2 Thus says the LORD who made you And formed you from the womb, who will help you: Fear not, O Jacob My servant; And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. Why did Michael and the devil dispute over the body of Moses? Psalm 78:67-70 Moreover He rejected the tent of Joseph, And did not choose the tribe of Ephraim, 68 But chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which He loved. A Discussion of The Great Divide: A Lutheran Christ, Community, and Creativity (Part Three). (2020, August 26). 1:2, 3; Matt. His will is stubbornly steeled against God. 1:2, 20; 2 Pet. 5. Instead, they look at the legal aspect of the sin debt. What is the exact meaning of "total depravity"? 1:4; Eph. The idea of "Total Depravity" is a Calvinist (reformed theology) concept and forms the "T" in their TULIP acronym. For who has resisted His will? 20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Luke 18:7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? TULIPTotal Depravity . It also maintains that within the Bible are the following teachings: That God, by His sovereign grace predestines people into salvation; that Jesus died only for those predestined; that God regenerates the individual where he is then able and wants to choose God; and that it is impossible for those who are redeemed to lose their salvation.2calvinistcorner.com/tulip.htm. . This co-operation of the sinner, empowered by God's grace, is known as "synergism.". This means people cannot independently choose God. "In practice, total depravity means that there is no human faculty left untouched by sin, even in relative terms. Charges of Pelagianism were made, and the matter quickly escalated. These are your two choice for or against the Gospel found in Scripture. The most recognizable form of mainline Reformed theology is expressed in the TULIP acronym, as given below: T - Total Depravity: every person is enslaved by sin and unable to choose God. A Reformed Definition of Total Depravity [with clear references supplied]: Because of the fall, man is unable of himself to savingly believe the gospel. Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! A more nuanced view, which I would take, is that there is truth to be affirmed in four of the five points. A daily newsletter featuring the most important and significant events on each day in Christian History. Irresistable Grace- On this point, there are both areas of agreement and disagreement. Some would day that they agree with only the first two points of the acronym TULIP but rejects the rest. THE DOCTRINE OF TOTAL DEPRAVITY Let us begin with a review of what John Calvin taught on the human condition after the Fall of Adam and the possibility of return to communion with God, the first item in the TULIP construct: Total Depravity. Using the term Calvinist as a mirror to the doctrines of grace is over-simplifying the theological position. 3. by Matt Slick | Oct 1, 2014 | Questions, Theology. This article is part of the TULIP and Reformed Theology collection and was originally published May 25, 2017. However, we dont limit saving grace to the elect, but teach that grace is universal in scope and intent. Total Depravity start with a statement that everyone would agree upon which that man is sinful. He contends in his commentary on Genesis: Total depravity is a phrase or name that is used to summarize what the Bible teaches about the spiritual condition of fallen man. Election is the sovereign act of God where, from before the foundation of the world, he chose those whom he would save (Eph. Jesus will not lose any who had been given to him by the Father (John 6:38-39); he gives eternal life to them so they will never perish (John 3:16; 10:27-28), and those who leave the faith were never believers to begin with (1 John 2:19). But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. 8 Just as it is written: God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears that they should not hear, To this very day. 9 And David says: Let their table become a snare and a trap, A stumbling block and a recompense to them. They cite these verses, among others: John 3:16, Acts 2:21,1 Timothy 2:3-4, and 1 John 2:2. What is predestination and election? 1. It is the same with the essential doctrines of salvation. 26:24; Mark 14:21. Galatians 1:15-17 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mothers womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. The Two Wills of God Made Easy by C. Matthew McMahon PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book 23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 7:7, 8; Deut. T.U.L.I.P. 10:15 Deut. Tulip: Total Depravity. However, some Christians chafe at the doctrines that are part of the . 105:17, 1922; Psa. God's transcendent sovereignty is the true starting point of Calvin's soteriology. Christs blood was sufficient for all, but not all sin was imputed to Christ. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. The fires were soon rekindled by his followers. "Five Point TULIP Calvinism Explained." The essential doctrines of grace concerning salvation, which the Reformers and Puritans (and all good Christians) cling to, are summed up in the acronym T.U.L.I.P. It is unfortunate Lutherans too often confuse this doctrine with the idea of once saved always saved, and thus reject the entirety of the Reformed doctrine. 1:10; Jude 4; Rev. Pink was one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the . The "T" in TULIP stands for Total Depravity. He did, however, differ from Calvinist orthodoxy on a number of issues. Unconditional Election- Lutheran theology affirms, along with Calvinism, that Gods election unto life is unconditional. If you have any issues, please call the office at 385-246-1048 or email us at [emailprotected], by Matt Slick | Feb 18, 2023 | Questions, Salvation. 2:4) based solely on his sovereign grace (Gal. Each of the five letters represents what many consider the five points of Calvinism. Lutherans also affirm that Gods election will always result in final salvation; in other words, election is immutable. 7 The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; 8 but because the LORD loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.. 1:4). Be among the first to get R.C. It emphasizes the reality that it is God who preserves the elect in faith. Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. Humans are unable to approach God apart from grace, because the sinners will is fallen; they are in bondage to sin. The totality of our depravity means that because of our rebellion against God and our corruption of the goodness that he gave at the beginning, we have offended him in such a way that we deserve eternal punishment. John 10:14-15 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. Total depravity does not mean that man is without a conscience or any sense of right and wrong. T - Total Depravity That means simply MAN is DEAD. The following are the five points of Calvinism listed, explained, and supported with scripture. It's the first tenet of the notorious "TULIP" acronym, which came into popular use among Calvinists around the time of my great-grandfather's retirement as a way to summarize the five main points of the faith. So what is required for us to be conformed to the image of Christ is not simply some small adjustments or behavioral modifications, but nothing less than renovation from the inside. Man is made up of two parts primarily: the material (body) and the immaterial (soul). Kindle Edition. It has traditionally been called total depravity for 'T' of TULIP, the first of five points of Calvinism. Calvinism is made up of much more than simply 5 points on salvation. CARM |P.O. Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. Yet Jacob I have loved; 3 But Esau I have hated, And laid waste his mountains and his heritage For the jackals of the wilderness., Matthew 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first last. JW's claim Jesus isn't God, but their claim doesn't make it truth. Here is what the letters stand for: T. The first belief is "Total depravity" which teaches that all people are born sinners. 1:4; 1 Thess. 6:12 with Luke 11:4) since it is breaking the Law of God (1 John 3:4). As David declared in the Old Testament, Oh, God, I was born in sin, and in sin did my mother conceive me (Ps. It would no longer be Christianity. 2. 4:37. In Lutheranism, predestination is single rather than double. T stands for total depravity, U for unconditional election, L for limited atonement, I for irresistible grace, and P for perseverance of the saints. The mind, as well as the emotions and appetites, is biased against God. The five points emerged from the Synod of Dort (1618 19).1McKim, Donald K. (2014-04-21). I was asked by my small audience for an example of the difference, and the first example that came to mind was God's sovereignty in salvation. by Dr. Charles Hodge, The Five Points of Calvinism by W.J. 9:16; Ex. Rather, they ought simply to refer to the 5 points as the doctrines of grace. Calvinism is a much broader term used specifically of those who hold to Calvins Institutes, and more precisely, of those who hold Calvins view of the sacraments. This is simply mind-boggling and breathtaking. We must never confuse the two. This point is one of the more controversial beliefs of Calvinism. - R.C. Total depravity is the fallen state of human beings as a result of original sin. What is CARMs position on Calvinism? Rather, he was acknowledging the human condition of fallennessthat condition that was part of the experience of his parents, a condition that he himself brought into this world. 15 For He says to Moses, I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. These were detailed after Calvin's death in the Second Synod of Dort in 1618-1619 against the opposing Five Articles . Stated plainly, Total Depravity teaches that original sin impacts and taints every person in every aspect of our being. Total depravity was not one of Calvin's five points; total inability was. Here are the points it generally offers, which one will find repeated in various forms throughout works in favor of TULIP: Sin corrupts the whole person -- emotions, will, and intellect. This set of religious principles is the work of John Calvin (1509-1564), a French church reformer who had a permanent influence on several branches of Protestantism. God can't even look at them. The TULIP memory tool was solidified at the Synod of Dort (1618-1619), a gathering of Reformed theologians who met in the Netherlands to counter and condemn the teachings of Arminianism.