Calvinism, with its emphasis on predestination and limited atonement, often sparks theological debates. While many believers find comfort in its teachings, others argue that the Bible supports a more inclusive and grace-filled perspective on God’s plan of salvation. Below are key topics that present scriptural evidence against Calvinism, offering insights into God’s universal love and the free will granted to humanity.
Also Read: Bible Verses About False Doctrine
God’s Desire for All to Be Saved
Calvinism asserts that salvation is limited to the elect, but the Bible consistently reveals God’s heart for all people to be saved. The Scriptures affirm God’s universal offer of grace and the invitation to everyone to respond in faith.
1 Timothy 2:4
“He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”
Ezekiel 18:23
“Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.”
John 3:16
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Titus 2:11
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.”
The Free Will of Humanity
Calvinism often downplays the role of human free will, emphasizing divine sovereignty instead. However, Scripture frequently highlights the importance of personal choice and the responsibility to respond to God’s calling.
Deuteronomy 30:19
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”
Joshua 24:15
“But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Matthew 23:37
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.”
Revelation 22:17
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who hears this say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.”
Proverbs 1:29-31
“For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes.”
Christ Died for All
Calvinism teaches limited atonement, suggesting Christ died only for the elect. However, the Bible repeatedly emphasizes the universal scope of Christ’s sacrifice, which is sufficient for all humanity.
1 John 2:2
“He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.”
Hebrews 2:9
“What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position ‘a little lower than the angels’; and because he suffered death for us, he is now ‘crowned with glory and honor.’ Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone.”
John 1:29
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’”
Romans 5:18
“Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.”
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
“Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”
God’s Impartiality
Calvinism implies favoritism through unconditional election, but the Bible declares that God does not show partiality. His grace and judgment are applied fairly to all people.
Romans 2:11
“For God does not show favoritism.”
Acts 10:34-35
“Then Peter replied, ‘I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.’”
James 2:1
“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?”
Colossians 3:25
“But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.”
Deuteronomy 10:17
“For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About False Teachers
God’s Conditional Promises
Calvinism often emphasizes the sovereignty of God over human responsibility, but Scripture repeatedly shows that many of God’s promises are conditional, dependent on human response and obedience.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
Jeremiah 18:7-8
“If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned.”
Deuteronomy 28:1-2
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God.”
Isaiah 1:19-20
“If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat. But if you turn away and refuse to listen, you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
John 15:10
“When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.”
God’s Universal Call to Repentance
Calvinism suggests that only the elect are drawn to repentance, but the Bible emphasizes God’s universal call for all people to repent and turn to Him. This reflects God’s desire for everyone to be saved.
Acts 17:30
“God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.”
Luke 5:32
“I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”
Ezekiel 18:32
“I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!”
Mark 1:15
“The time promised by God has come at last! He announced. ‘The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!’”
Isaiah 55:6-7
“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.”
Human Responsibility in Salvation
While Calvinism focuses on God’s sovereignty, Scripture highlights the active role of individuals in accepting or rejecting the gift of salvation. This reinforces the notion that salvation involves a cooperative response to God’s grace.
Philippians 2:12
“Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.”
Hebrews 4:2
“For this Good News—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God.”
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”
James 2:26
“Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.”
John 6:29
“Jesus told them, ‘This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.’”