Reformed Dogmatika Resource
Doctrines of Grace
Objections to Calvinism: Answered
Twenty-Four Objections, One Verse Each
Calvinism is often rejected through familiar objections: it makes God the author of sin, turns people into robots, discourages evangelism, or gives believers license to sin. The chart below answers twenty-four such claims with one verse each, followed by an Answer Key with links to fuller treatments. For a sustained response to a recent public critique, read Dinesh D’Souza’s Case Against Calvinism: Answered.
The Answer Key
Election and the Love of God
01
“God chose us because he foresaw our faith.”
It depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. Romans 9:16
02
“Election is arbitrary, and therefore unjust.”
I will have mercy on whom I have mercy. Romans 9:15
03
“God loves every person in exactly the same way.”
Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. Romans 9:13
04
“God owes every person an equal chance.”
He has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. Romans 9:18
The Bound Will
05
“A sinner can turn to Christ any time he wills.”
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. John 6:44
06
“The spiritually dead can still reach for grace.”
Even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. Ephesians 2:5
07
“My faith is the part I contribute.”
This is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
08
“I was born again because I made a decision.”
Born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13
09
“Calvinism turns people into robots.”
It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
Claim 2: Calvinists Appeal to Free Will for Evil, Then Deny It in Salvation
God, Evil, and Blame
10
“Predestination makes God the author of sin.”
God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. James 1:13
11
“If God decreed it, no one can be blamed for it.”
Delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed. Acts 2:23
12
“God cannot ordain evil and remain holy.”
You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good. Genesis 50:20
Preaching and the Free Offer
13
“Election makes evangelism pointless.”
I have many in this city who are my people. Acts 18:10
14
“Why preach if the elect are saved already?”
Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17
15
“God’s call can be finally resisted.”
I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes. Ezekiel 36:27
16
“Then the gospel offer is not sincere.”
I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Ezekiel 33:11
The Death of Christ
17
“Christ died for every person without exception.”
The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11
Claim 4: Either Jesus Died for the Sins of All, or He Did Not
18
“A definite atonement shrinks the love of God.”
By your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9
Staying Saved
19
“A true Christian can still lose his salvation.”
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. John 10:28
20
“This kind of security breeds careless living.”
By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:2
21
“Grace this free is a license to sin.”
Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. Titus 2:12
Scripture and History
22
“Without free will, the Bible collapses.”
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
23
“Justification by faith rules out predestination.”
Those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified. Romans 8:30
24
“Predestination was invented by John Calvin.”
And as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48
Use this page as a quick reference, then follow the links whenever an objection needs fuller treatment.
FURTHER STUDY
The chart and Answer Key give the short response. For the positive biblical and confessional case, read The Five Points of Calvinism: TULIP Explained from Scripture.
You must be logged in to post a comment.