What is interesting in regards to that doctrine is that both calvinists and arminians would agree that man is incapable/unable to save themselves, apart from the saving grace of God provided for sinners in the Cross of Christ. We really depart quickly though from there, as they seek to bring into it human free will as co assistor to the grace of God.
FYI, historical Arminianism is rarely found in our day. That theological system was officially introduced back in the early 1600's by a group of followers of Jacabus Arminius. It was presented to the Synod of Dordtrech for consideration. The proponents disagreed with the Belgic Confession to which their denomination subscribed and they agreed to embrace and teach. Over a period of 18 months their view was debated and then unanimously rejected as damnable heresy. You can read the Synod's response here:
The Canons of Dort.
Most all non-Reformed denominations/churches hold to "semi-Pelagianism" which is far worse than Arminianism. Semi-Pelagianism is what the Roman Catholic teaches as well. The difference between Arminianism, semi-Pelagianism, and historic Calvinism in regard to justification is as follows (briefly):
1. Arminianism: Man is totally incapable of repenting and believing the Gospel by nature. However, God has given to ALL men
previent grace, which is said to overcome man's natural inability and thus enable ALL to comprehend and believe upon Christ if they will.
2. Semi-Pelagianism: Man is not totally incapable of repenting and believing in Christ because he is not spiritually
dead, but contrariwise, man retains a natural ability to exercise his 'free-will' and repent and believe. Thus, as the Arminian system above, justification is grace+faith=justificaiton. Faith, therefore, becomes a work and nullifies justification by grace alone in Christ alone.
3. Calvinism: Man is born with a corrupt nature which is completely antagonistic toward God and all that is good. Man has neither the desire nor ability to repent and believe upon Christ. What is needed is a radical transformation of the soul; the nature itself, which is called regeneration (new birth), resulting in a spiritually alive nature which is predisposed to hate sin, love God and seeks forgiveness and reconciliation solely through the redemption which is in Christ. Only Calvinism holds firmly to salvation by grace alone through faith (God-given) in Christ. (see here:
Do You Really Believe that Salvation is by Grace ALONE?).
Another excellent article that explains Arminianism and semi-Pelagianism can be found here:
The Pelagian Captivity of the Church.
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