According to Arminius, what is necessary for saving faith?

In Arminian theology, saving faith transcends mere intellectual assent or knowledge; it necessitates a transformative spiritual intervention. This highlights the belief that individuals are incapable of achieving faith solely through their own efforts or merits. It acknowledges the role of divine grace in awakening a person's heart and mind to the truths of the Gospel, enabling them to respond positively to God's call for salvation.

Spiritual intervention refers to the action of the Holy Spirit in a person's life, enabling them to recognize their need for salvation and empowering them to make a genuine response to God. This perspective emphasizes that faith is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment of facts about God or salvation but a personal trust in Him that results from being influenced and empowered by the Spirit.

In contrast, personal merit, intellectual knowledge, and strict adherence to law suggest a reliance on human effort or achievement, which does not align with the concept of grace emphasized in Arminian thought. Arminius argued against the notion that human beings could earn their salvation through works, intellectual prowess, or religious observance, underscoring the necessity of God's initiative and intervention in the salvation process.