Predestination and Human Responsibility

I want to bring in a perspective that I believe better reflects the full counsel of Scripture: that God predestines those who would believe in Jesus Christ, and that we, as human beings, are morally responsible to respond to the gospel in faith.

1. Predestination: Not Arbitrary, but Based on Faith in Christ

One of the key points of difference I have with Calvinism is its understanding of Unconditional Election—the idea that God chose some individuals to be saved purely by His secret will, without regard to their response to Christ. While it is true that salvation is by grace and not by human merit, Scripture also affirms that God predestines according to foreknowledge.

“For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son...” (Romans 8:29)

“God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

This foreknowledge is not just about God knowing things ahead of time—it includes His knowing of who would believe. Those who believe in Christ are the ones God has chosen to save. Faith in Christ is not a human work, but a human response to God’s gracious invitation.

2. Election Is “In Christ”

Ephesians 1:4 says, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” This means the election is not a private list in heaven of names chosen apart from Christ. Rather, God chose to save all who are found in Christ—those who place their faith in Him.

So election is not about being individually picked without reference to Christ; it’s about being chosen in union with Christ. The Church, the body of believers, is the elect. And we enter that body by believing in Jesus.

3. Irresistible Grace Undermines Real Choice

Some mentioned how Irresistible Grace brought comfort, knowing that it was God’s Spirit—not your own decision—that changed your heart. Yes, salvation begins with God, but Scripture consistently calls us to repent and believe (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38). If grace is irresistible in a mechanical way—meaning we cannot help but believe—then human responsibility is erased.

In love, real relationship always includes choice. God initiates, draws, convicts, but He does not override. His Spirit works powerfully, but not forcefully. The call of Christ remains, “Come to Me, all who are weary…” (Matthew 11:28). We must still come.

4. Assurance Comes from Trusting in Christ, Not Secret Election

Some shared how Calvinism gave them assurance of salvation through the doctrine of election. But I would gently caution that true assurance does not come from believing you are one of the elect—it comes from trusting in Christ day by day. Election is not a doctrine to be gazed at apart from Jesus. It is always tied to faith.

John writes, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

The evidence of election is believing in Christ, not looking inward for signs of being chosen.

5. Evangelism Needs a Real Gospel Call to All

I am glad Calvinism has stirred in some people a passion for evangelism. But I would humbly say that Calvinism’s version of evangelism has a silent limitation—it cannot honestly say “Christ died for you” to every person. This contradicts the spirit of the gospel, which declares:

“Christ died for all” (2 Corinthians 5:15)

“God desires all people to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4)

The gospel is good news to all people—not just the elect. We must believe it is truly offered to everyone, and every person can respond.

6. Salvation Is Fully of Grace, But Not Without Human Response

Here I agree with Calvinists: no one can save themselves. Salvation is by grace alone. Yet grace does not remove our responsibility to believe. God enables, draws, and gives the Word—but we must respond with faith. That is not a boast—it is obedience.

“This is the work of God: that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6:29)

In Closing: God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Go Together

We do not have to pick between God’s sovereignty and human choice. The Bible holds both together. God predestines those who will believe, and He genuinely calls all to believe. We are not puppets; we are image-bearers with a real capacity to respond to His voice.

Let us honor God’s sovereign grace without silencing the call of the gospel. Let us preach Christ to all people, confidently knowing that those who believe are the ones God has chosen to save.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

To God alone be the glory—for His grace, His justice, and His patience with us all.