Episode 9: Arminian Counter-Arguments — and Calvinist Responses from Scripture
Episode Focus: Arminian objections, Calvinist responses, biblical theology
Audience: Christians seeking clarity on the Calvinism–Arminianism debate

In this episode, we address several of the most common Arminian objections to Calvinism and examine how Calvinism responds—not with philosophy or speculation—but with Scripture.

This episode is not a polemic against Arminians. Many faithful believers hold Arminian convictions and sincerely desire to honor Christ. The goal here is not to question motives, but to ask a single, foundational question:

What does the Bible actually teach?

Do common Arminian counter-arguments:

• Faithfully represent the teaching of Scripture?
  Or

• Miss key biblical distinctions about grace, sovereignty, and salvation?

• God’s will and desire in salvation

• Whether election is based on foreseen faith

• The biblical silence on prevenient grace

• The nature and sincerity of the gospel offer

• Human freedom and irresistible grace

• God’s sovereignty and the problem of sin

Calvinist Response: Scripture distinguishes between God’s revealed will and His sovereign saving will.

• 1 Timothy 2:4 — God desires all kinds of people to be saved

• 2 Peter 3:9 — God’s patience toward His people

• John 6:37 — All the Father gives will come to Christ

• John 6:39 — Christ loses none of those given to Him

Calvinist Response: Scripture grounds election in God’s purpose and mercy, not human response.

• Romans 9:11–13 — Election before works or faith

• Romans 9:16 — Salvation depends on God’s mercy

• Ephesians 1:4–5 — Chosen before the foundation of the world

• Ephesians 2:8–9 — Faith is a gift of grace

Calvinist Response: Scripture teaches effectual grace, not merely enabling grace.

• John 6:44 — No one can come unless drawn by the Father

• John 6:37 — Those drawn will come

• Acts 16:14 — The Lord opens Lydia’s heart

• Ezekiel 36:26 — God gives a new heart

Calvinist Response: The gospel is sincere because God commands all to repent and promises salvation to all who come.

• Matthew 1:21 — Christ saves His people from their sins

• John 10:11 — The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep

• Acts 17:30 — God commands all people everywhere to repent

• John 6:37 — Whoever comes will never be cast out

Calvinist Response: Scripture defines freedom as liberation from sin, not autonomy from God.

• John 8:34 — Slaves to sin

• Romans 8:7 — The flesh cannot submit to God

• Ezekiel 36:26–27 — God changes the heart

• Philippians 2:13 — God works in us to will and to act

Calvinist Response: Scripture affirms God’s holiness and sovereign control without making Him morally responsible for sin.

• James 1:13 — God is not the author of evil

• Genesis 50:20 — God uses evil intentions for good

• Acts 2:23 — God’s sovereign plan carried out by sinful men

• Isaiah 10:5–15 — God uses wicked nations without endorsing their sin

Arminian objections often arise from sincere concerns about God’s character, justice, and human responsibility. Calvinism does not dismiss those concerns—it answers them biblically.

Scripture teaches that:

• God is sovereign

• Humans are morally responsible

• Grace is effective

• Christ truly saves

• God alone receives the glory

As Romans 11:36 declares:

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be glory forever. Amen.”