18th Century Debates
Synopsis: During the First Great Awakening the most divisive debate was this: Does God chose us first, or do we choose Him first? Those who believe that God is in total control were known as Calvinists: Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, believed in Predestination: God has written the story of all of our lives. American Puritans were Calvinists. The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, believed that we are the masters of our own destinies; this theology is known as Arminianism.
Rev. George Whitefield
WHITEFIELD v. WESLEY
Predestination v. Free Will
Rev. John Wesley
To help prevent spiritual pride, let us remember, that we did not chose Christ, but were chosen by Him. We have nothing but what has been given to us. The free grace of God has alone made the difference between us and nonbelievers
see also John 15:16
Choose Christ and his ways, and you are blessed forever, refuse and you are undone forever... I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation.
see also Deuteronomy 30:19
freedom.mp4