A Chapter-by-Chapter Evangelical Critique of Calvinism: The Old vs. The New

For an understanding of Jeffrey Khoo, one should read his writing. For example, his Old Calvinist beliefs led to inaccuracies and extremism in Bible translations and personal characteristics.

His article "Calvinism: The Old vs. The New" can be retrieved from: https://www.febc.edu.sg/assets/pdfs/febc_press/Calvinism_%20The%20Old%20vs%20The%20New.pdf

Click the link to download the article.

Below is a Chapter-by-Chapter Evangelical Critique of Calvinism: The Old vs. The New

Chapter 1 – The Sovereignty of God (pp. 10–20)

The Old Calvinist perspective (p. 12) emphasizes sovereignty as an “absolute decree, unchangeable and irresistible.” While true that God rules over all (Ps. 115:3), the book pushes this to fatalistic extremes. Scripture portrays sovereignty alongside divine love and human responsibility (Deut. 30:19; John 3:16). Evangelical theology maintains that God’s sovereignty is personal, not mechanical—He works through relationship and covenant, not blind fate.

Old Calvinism risks portraying God as the author of sin by overemphasizing decree. Evangelicalism holds that God permits but does not cause evil, working all things for good without violating His holy character (Rom. 8:28).

Chapter 2 – The Doctrine of Election (pp. 21–35)

On p. 25, election is described as “the eternal predestination of some unto salvation and others unto damnation.” This double-predestination is a hallmark of extreme Calvinism, but it misrepresents Paul. Election in Ephesians 1:4 is in Christ and is about God’s gracious initiative, not arbitrary exclusion.

Evangelicals stress that God desires all to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). Election is best understood corporately—in Christ and for mission—not as a decree condemning individuals. Old Calvinism’s formulation undermines the biblical witness of God’s justice and mercy.

Chapter 3 – The Extent of the Atonement (pp. 36–45)

Here (p. 38), Old Calvinism insists that Christ’s atonement was “designed only for the elect.” Yet Scripture repeatedly speaks of Christ dying for the world (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2).

Evangelicals affirm that the cross is universal in provision, particular in application. Christ’s death is sufficient for all but effective for those who believe. This maintains both the missionary impulse and the freeness of the gospel. Restricting the cross distorts God’s love and undermines evangelism.

Chapter 4 – The Doctrine of Grace (pp. 46–60)

On p. 52, grace is defined as “irresistible; the sinner cannot refuse.” This mechanistic model strips away genuine faith-response. Yet Acts 7:51 and Matthew 23:37 show that people can resist God’s invitation.

Evangelicals hold that grace enables faith but does not coerce it. The Spirit convicts, draws, and awakens, but love always allows the possibility of rejection. Otherwise, conversion becomes a divine override rather than a covenantal embrace.

Chapter 5 – Perseverance of the Saints (pp. 61–75)

On p. 68, the Old Calvinist claim is made: “once elected, a man cannot fall, regardless of his life.” This leads to antinomian danger.

Evangelicals agree that true believers are secure in Christ (John 10:28) but insist that perseverance is evidenced by fruit (Matt. 7:20). Warnings in Hebrews 6:4–6 and James 2:17 show that cheap grace is a false assurance. Perseverance is not lawless security but Spirit-enabled endurance.

Chapter 6 – The Character of God in Old Calvinism (pp. 76–85)

On p. 80, the book presents God’s glory as chiefly revealed in His decrees of election and reprobation. This distorts His character. Scripture consistently points to Christ as the fullest revelation of God’s glory (John 1:14; Heb. 1:3).

Evangelicals argue that God’s glory is His love revealed in the cross (2 Cor. 4:6). Any doctrine that makes God appear unjust or unloving must be tested against the life and teaching of Jesus. Old Calvinism risks presenting a God of arbitrary power rather than the God of covenant love.

Conclusion

Calvinism: The Old vs. The New reflects the logical rigor of Old Calvinism but at the cost of biblical balance. Each chapter pushes a doctrine to an extreme that diminishes God’s love, misrepresents His justice, and distorts His invitation to the world. Evangelical theology seeks to hold sovereignty and freedom, election and universal call, grace and responsibility, assurance and perseverance—in Christ-centered harmony.