The Origin of the Five Points To understand how and why the system of theology known to history as Calvinism came to bear this name and to be formulated into five points, one must understand the theological conflict which occurred in Holland during the first quarter of the seventeenth century. The Arminians objected to those doctrines upheld in both the Catechism and the Confession relating to divine sovereignty, human inability, unconditional election or predestination, particular redemption, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints. It was in connection with these matters that they wanted the official standards of the Church of Holland revised. Christ died for all men and for every man, although only believers are saved.
Man is so depraved that divine grace is necessary unto faith or any good deed.
This grace may be resisted. Whether all who are truly regenerate will certainly persevere in the faith is a point which needs further investigation. The last article was later altered so as to definitely teach the possibility of the truly regenerate believer s losing his faith and thus losing his salvation. God s election of those who shall be saved is prompted by His foreseeing that they will of their own accord believe. Thus, Arminianism made man s salvation depend ultimately on man himself, saving faith being viewed throughout as man s own work and, because his own, not God s in him.