“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4, KJV)
Introduction
Calvinism is a theological system that has shaped much of Protestant thought for centuries. Its most debated doctrine is predestination—the belief that God has eternally chosen some individuals for salvation and others for damnation, apart from their response to the gospel. This paper examines the origin of Calvinism, outlines its core beliefs, and evaluates the doctrine of predestination in the light of the King James Version of Scripture. When Scripture is allowed to interpret Scripture, the Calvinistic view of predestination is shown to conflict with the clear teaching of God’s character, human responsibility, and the universal call of salvation.
The origin of Calvinism
Calvinism takes its name from John Calvin (1509–1564), a French reformer who ministered primarily in Geneva during the Protestant Reformation. Calvin systematized earlier teachings of Augustine concerning grace and election, developing them into a structured theological framework.
After Calvin’s death, his followers summarized his theology at the Synod of Dort (1618–1619) in response to the teachings of Jacob Arminius. This summary became known as the “Five Points of Calvinism,” often remembered by the acronym TULIP. These points form the backbone of Calvinist belief regarding salvation.
The core beliefs of Calvinism
Calvinism teaches five main doctrines:
- Total Depravity – Man is so fallen that he cannot respond to God without prior regeneration.
- Unconditional Election – God chooses certain individuals for salvation without regard to faith or response.
- Limited Atonement – Christ died only for the elect, not for all humanity.
- Irresistible Grace – Those whom God has chosen cannot resist His saving grace.
- Perseverance of the Saints – Those who are truly elect will inevitably continue in faith.
While Scripture affirms man’s sinfulness and the necessity of grace, Calvinism goes beyond biblical teaching by denying genuine human choice and by limiting the scope of Christ’s atoning work.
The biblical meaning of predestination
The word predestinate does appear in Scripture (Romans 8:29–30; Ephesians 1:5, 11). However, the Bible never teaches predestination to salvation or damnation of individuals without regard to faith.
Romans 8:29 states:
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (KJV)
Predestination in Scripture concerns what believers are predestined to become, not who is predestined to believe. God foreknew those who would respond in faith, and He predetermined that such believers would be conformed to Christ. Foreknowledge does not equal coercion.
God’s desire for all to be saved
One of the clearest refutations of Calvinistic predestination is the repeated biblical declaration that God desires the salvation of all people.
- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, KJV)
- “The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV)
- “Who will have all men to be saved…” (1 Timothy 2:4, KJV)
If God unconditionally predestined only some to salvation, these verses would be misleading at best. Scripture does not present God as offering a false invitation. His call to repentance is genuine and universal.
Human responsibility and free response
The Bible consistently places responsibility upon the individual to respond to God’s offer of salvation.
- “Choose you this day whom ye will serve…” (Joshua 24:15, KJV)
- “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17, KJV)
- “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15, KJV)
Calvinism teaches that fallen man cannot respond unless first regenerated. Yet Scripture commands repentance and belief, holding men accountable for rejecting the truth. A command from God implies the real possibility of obedience or disobedience.
The scope of Christ’s atonement
Calvinism’s doctrine of limited atonement directly contradicts Scripture.
- “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2, KJV)
- “Who gave himself a ransom for all…” (1 Timothy 2:6, KJV)
- “That he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Hebrews 2:9, KJV)
The Bible plainly states that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient and intended for all, even though only those who believe receive its benefit.
The justice and character of God
Calvinistic predestination portrays God as arbitrarily selecting some for salvation while passing over others who never had a real opportunity to be saved. This stands in conflict with God’s revealed character.
- “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25, KJV)
- “God is no respecter of persons.” (Acts 10:34, KJV)
God’s justice, love, and holiness are fully harmonized in the gospel. Salvation is by grace alone, but condemnation is always the result of unbelief, not divine decree.
Conclusion
Calvinism arose from historical theological debates, not from the plain teaching of Scripture. While it rightly emphasizes God’s sovereignty and grace, it distorts these truths by denying human responsibility, limiting Christ’s atonement, and redefining predestination in a way the Bible does not support.
The Word of God teaches that salvation is freely offered to all, that Christ died for the whole world, and that every person is accountable for their response to the gospel. Predestination in Scripture speaks of God’s plan for believers, not a predetermined selection of who may believe. Any doctrine that undermines the universal call of salvation and the revealed character of God must be rejected in favor of the clear testimony of Scripture.