As you gather with your family for dinner, the news hums in the background. Suddenly a breaking report interrupts the “normal” broadcast. Another tragedy. A gunman has taken innocent lives. After absorbing the news — and barely ingesting the meal — you sit down to watch.
As the coverage unfolds, the familiar mixture of shock, anger, and resolve fills the airwaves. Leaders are interviewed. They offer the requisite “thoughts and prayers.” Their motives may be sincere, but their words often ring hollow.
How do people proceed in the face of these tragedies? How do we make sense of such events?
Sooner or later your heart enters a battle with your head. Your heart grieves. Your head asks, “Why?” The human mind seeks answers. At the core, we want to assign blame.
On the surface, it seems simple. We blame the evil inside the gunman. We may even point to broader societal failures. But eventually the “easy” answers collapse under the weight of a deeper question:
Where was God?
We go to church. We hear that God is sovereign. That truth comforts — until we see the faces of innocent victims.
Then come the theological questions:
- “How is God sovereign in this?”
- “Could God have stopped it?”
- “Why did God not stop it?”
This moment becomes a microcosm of a larger theological issue — one that surfaces in discussions about salvation and underlies countless doctrinal questions. Like an avalanche, the questions pour over us:
- Does God allow all people to be saved?
- Does He determine in advance those who will be saved?
- Does He give everyone a choice?
- Does He know who will be saved?
- If He knows, are people truly free?
- If they are not free, is salvation nothing more than fatalistic determinism?
The topic resembles a pendulum. Swing it one direction and mankind’s fate is predetermined — no freedom, limited salvation, no choice. Swing it the other direction and God grants complete freedom — all can be saved, anyone may choose.
Some call this a mystery. But a mystery is something difficult or impossible to understand. I do not believe this is a mystery. Each part can be understood.
Instead, this is a paradox — two seemingly contradictory truths held together. Scripture contains many such paradoxes (e.g., Jesus fully human and fully divine; God one and three). Salvation belongs in that same category.
In the last blog, I offered two guiding principles:
- Calvinism and Arminianism are man‑made systems. Neither is infallible.
- Our understanding must be guided by Scripture.
This blog explains the five issues involved in the discussion, offering points and counterpoints for each. In the second half, I provide the biblical conclusions that shape my understanding.
Topic: Humankind’s Sinfulness
The question is simple. Are people inherently sinful. Thus, does everyone need salvation? There is widespread agreement on most aspects of this question.
Point: Humankind is Inherently and Completely Evil
Mankind is, in its essence, depraved. We are guilty, not just because of our actions but at the core of our being.
Because we are essentially flawed, we are unable to come to God on our own. We are dead in our being. We are blind and deaf to the things of God. Our defiled and corrupt hearts are unable to seek God.
Calvinists would assert that mankind is a fallen creature and has no free will to do that which is spiritually good. Salvation, therefore, must originate from the action of God on our behalf. Humankind is totally unable to do anything to accomplish salvation. We cannot come to Jesus on our own.
Counterpoint
Those who hold to mankind’s free will seek to disagree on the subject of mankind’s ability to respond. But it cannot wash away the depth of humankind’s sinfulness. Their debate that we are all individually responsible for our sin does not effectively limit the reality that we are, in our essence, evil.
One need to look no further than the eyes of our “sweet” baby. Barely able to walk the little cherub will look straight into the eyes of her parents. She will acknowledge the command not to touch the forbidden item. She will smile and then move her hand in defiance.
On another occasion it will be important to enter a debate on whether and when that child is responsible for her action. When will she be held to account for her sinful defiance? But for the sake of this discussion, denying the nature of sin is ineffective.
Conclusions
The truth is that we are all sinners. The very need for salvation is based on the truth that we are inherently sinful. We could never do anything to earn or deserve salvation. We offer nothing of value to God and would not make such an offer even if we could.
God has graciously provided salvation. Sin is real, but salvation is “realer.” The lost person is called to choose. We are given the charge to believe. We are entreated to trust God. We must respond to the offer of salvation.
Topic: The Essence of Salvation
The issue under consideration in this section is simple enough. Can someone who is chosen for salvation choose not to receive it? Is salvation something that can be resisted, or is the offer of salvation inviolable? Consider this question: Does God compel people to be saved or allow them to be saved?
Point: Salvation (and the Alternative) Are Predetermined
God’s choice of certain individuals to salvation before the foundation of the world rested solely in His own sovereign will. His choice of particular sinners was not based on any foreseen response or obedience on their part, such as faith, repentance, etc. In other words, people who are chosen for salvation have no part to play in that salvation.
It is God who gives the gifts of faith and repentance. God gives the ability to receive salvation to each individual whom He selected. These acts are the result, not the cause of God’s choice.
Salvation is not determined or conditioned on any act or quality in man. God’s choice of the sinner, not the sinner’s choice of God is the ultimate cause of salvation. Fallen man cannot choose God.
The connection of unconditional election to the subject of total depravity cannot be missed. If man is totally depraved he cannot do those things God has commanded him to do in order to be saved. Therefore, Calvinism asserts: if a man is saved it is not because he believes, he believes because God has saved him. Therefore, one is saved regardless whether or not he believes.
Counterpoint
It is possible to separate a belief in the sinfulness of man from a position of unconditional election. Indeed, it is necessary. Mankind is sinful. We are broken and torn. However, all of the descriptions of the gospel in the New Testament demand that persons respond to God’s offer.
The enormous number of passages that indicate a demand for response is so overwhelming as to make an exhaustive examination impossible. But consider the most well-known passages. I will highlight by underlining the phrases demanding human response.
God knows who will believe, but calls people to make a choice. God’s foreknowledge of people is based on the fact that they will choose Christ.
Conclusions
The gap on this aspect of salvation is one that is extremely difficult to bridge. To insist that a person cannot make the choices necessary to receive salvation but that they are merely a response to God’s work in saving us is to violate the very commands of Scripture.
If a person’s decision to be saved is predetermined, there is no need for anyone to express belief, to confess, or to receive salvation. The choice has already been made. There would be no call for action. This is clearly not consistent with Scripture.
Passages for consideration:
Luke 13:3
John 3:16-18
John 6:29
John 11:40
John 12:36
Acts 16:31
Acts 17:30
Acts 20:21
Romans 10:9-10
Romans 10:13
Hebrews 11:6
The call to repentance is universal
(Isaiah 55:1, Acts 17:30, 1 Tim 2:3, 2 Peter 3:9)
Topic: Is Salvation for Everyone, or Just for Some People
In theological terms, this is a question of the efficacy of the death of Jesus. The topic is hugely important. The question is a simple one, “For whom did Jesus die?” Did Jesus offer His sacrifice on the cross for all mankind or only for the elect?
Is salvation available for all people? The question is of immense proportion for our consideration.
Point: Jesus’ Death is Only for the Elect
The extreme of this perspective says that Jesus did not die for all people. His death was only for the elect. These folks merely state that Jesus’ payment for sin is limited. Christ’s redeeming work was intended to save the elect only and secured salvation for them.
Some are chosen by God for salvation. Some are predetermined to go to hell.
Counterpoint
The extreme position of limited atonement is an unnecessary leap.
The fact that Jesus died for all people does not necessitate that all will be saved. It does indicate that all people can respond to the gospel. God does not force them to be saved, but Jesus’ death on the cross means that they can choose to believe.
Conclusions
On this topic, it is difficult to adopt the view that salvation is limited. Scripture is clear that Jesus offers a choice.
1 Timothy 2:4 “who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
1 John 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.[1]
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Other passages echo these truths:
- Romans 5:6 Christ died for the ungodly.
- He is the Savior for all 2 Timothy 4:10
- The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all Isaiah 53:6
- He tasted death for all men Hebrews 2:9
The summary of these verses is clear. Jesus draws all men to Himself, but not all will respond. Few teaches are as clear as the truth that God loves all people. Christ died for all human beings. There is nothing in us that warrants God’s love, but He has chosen because of His nature to love. Simply stated, “All means all.”
Topic: Is Salvation Truly Determined by the Choice of the Indivdual?
Our question is, “Does someone who has been chosen for salvation truly have a choice on whether to believe?” Can a person who is chosen by God choose not to be saved?
Point: Grace is Irresistible
The person focused solely on the sovereignty of God says that grace is irresistible. Once God has chosen a person they will not have a choice. If God chooses you for salvation, you will be saved.
God pursues them with enough power and force that they are compelled to believe, regardless of their own personal choices. The call of God is so strong that it always results in salvation. God is not limited in his work of salvation. His power to choose individuals is not dependent upon man cooperation. God is undefeated in His efforts to save those He chooses.
All elect persons will be saved. God pursues them with enough force that they are compelled to receive salvation.
While we do insist on understanding man’s choice for salvation, we also must not ignore the fact that no one comes to salvation apart from God’s work in drawing us.
John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:65 “He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.”
Counterpoint
At this point the key issue is related to human freedom. Can a person, indeed, choose to reject the offer of salvation.
God’s nature demands that people are given freedom to choose. From the first human beings God has allowed people to choose. Adam and Eve could choose to eat the fruit. Cain was warned of God to turn away from his sinful heart, but chose.
Likewise, God calls people to salvation. He gives them the opportunity to have new birth, but then leaves them with the choice.
God calls people by His Spirit, but His Spirit can be thwarted, resisted, and denied. He can be quenched. (1 Thess 5:19)
From the first preaching of the gospel it is clear that people can be stiff-necked. God’s call be ignored.
God called his people to respond.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
Even the most hard-hearted were given the freedom to choose. Yes, God hardened Pharoah’s heart, but Pharoah also hardened his own heart.[2]
Don’t confuse what God has determined conditionally with what God has determined unconditionally. We do not seek God, He seeks us. He wants everyone to have the chance to believe, but not all will do so. He is not willing that any perish but that all should come to eternal life.
Topic: Will Those Who are Saved Stay Saved?
The final topic is related to the perseverance of the saints. This topic is essentially asking, “if someone is saved can or do they stay saved? Once a person is saved is their salvation guaranteed? Can a person lose salvation once it is theirs?
Point: Salvation is Guaranteed
The extreme sovereignty position says that we are saved by God’s power and continue to be saved without reference to anything we can do.
A lynchpin in this belief system in 1 Peter 4:5. You are kept saved by the power of God. All who are chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and given faith by the Spirit are eternally saved. They cannot fall away from the state of grace.
No matter the struggles of life. Regardless the sinfulness of a broken world, once a person is washed by God they cannot be lost again.
Counterpoint
There are certainly those who would deny the security of believers. In an effort to resist the position of those who focus on God’s sovereignty, some insist that salvation can be lost.
Conclusions
Becoming a Christian is the most important decision one can make. When we obeyed the gospel, Jesus Christ became the absolute Lord of our lives. As a result, our past sins were graciously washed away by our Lord's precious blood, and we have been spiritually born again. There is, therefore, a crown of "glory" or "righteousness" now awaiting us in heaven.
Nothing nor no one can take away from us the salvation we now possess in connection with Christ Jesus. Because we are now "in Christ Jesus," there is no longer any condemnation.
Does belief in salvation that cannot is secure, make a person a Calvinist? On the contrary. One must not accept every tenet of Calvinism to believe as a Calvinist, nor must one deny security because other parts of Calvinism are denied.
Simply stated, a person can debate the security of believers apart from the issue of Calvinism. Security of believers is possible based on Scripture apart from every other aspect of Calvinism.
Conclusions
Final Reflections
Is there room for differences of opinion? Absolutely. God speaks, pursues, and saves — yet grants humanity the freedom to choose.
You have navigated the deepest waters of theology. Continue exploring. Read widely. Seek Scripture.
Three Suggestions
- Hold everything loosely. We know salvation begins with God, not all will be saved, and Jesus died for all.
We understand that the work of salvation always has as its starting point the work of God. We agree on the painful truth that not everyone will be saved. We understand that Jesus died for all people.
But some parts of this conversation will continue to be debated. Leave room for continued growth in your understanding.
- Avoid extremes. Scripture affirms both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
As I noted throughout this blog there are Scriptures that speak to all part of this issue.
Some may assert that holding to both thoughts is not possible. Consider some other questions:
While He walked the earth, was Jesus human? Certainly. Was He fully divine? Absolutely. Can we hold to both ideas simultaneously? We must.
Does Scripture assert that God is one? Absolutely. Yet, is God separately Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Undoubtedly. We hold to both thoughts.
Holding to both thoughts about our salvation is necessary.
- Extend grace. Sincere believers differ. Disagreement does not equal heresy.
Allow for grace on both sides. We do not have all the answers. Sincere, God fearing believers have differed on this subject. Extend grace toward those with whom you disagree.
May God guide you as you continue the journey of understanding this challenging subject.
[1] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 1 Jn 2:2.
[2] Pharoah and the “hardening of his heart” is an interesting study forcing the student to acknowledge two realities. Reading through Exodus _____ we can see a dual message. Sometimes it is described that God hardened Pharoah’s heart. Indeed, God did force the Pharoah into a position where God made His heart harder. But, the Scripture makes it clear that both things are true. God forced the issue for Pharoah, but Pharoah hardened his own heart.
