Reformed theology has had a significant influence on the Christian church, and we are grateful for the many faithful pastors, theologians, and Bible teachers within the Reformed tradition. We gladly agree with our Calvinist brothers and sisters on many essential Christian doctrines and appreciate their strong commitment to the authority of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
At the same time, we have significant disagreements with certain aspects of Reformed theology—particularly teachings associated with total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and some Reformed views of Bible prophecy. We believe Scripture affirms both God’s sovereignty and genuine human responsibility, including His desire that all people be saved and His invitation for all to receive the salvation Christ has provided.
Because we are frequently asked about these issues, we have gathered the resources below to examine the relevant biblical passages and present what we believe are more biblically defensible positions. Our purpose is not to create unnecessary division, but to encourage careful study of Scripture and thoughtful, gracious discussion among brothers and sisters in Christ.
ARTICLES:
“The Lazy Man’s Guide to Calvinism” by George Bryson
“The Extent of the Atonement: Limited Atonement Versus Unlimited Atonement” by Ron Rhodes
“Why My Conversations with Calvinists are Rarely Productive” by Roger Olson
“Monergism vs. Synergism” by Norman Geisler (Click on p. 282 to read)
“Was Calvin a Calvinist?” by Norman Geisler (Click on p. 199 to read)
“Great Church Fathers on Free Will” by Dr. Norman Geisler (Click on p. 189 to read)
“Soteriology in the Middle” by Kellen Criswell
“The Five Points of Calvinism, Weighed and Found Wanting” by George Bryson
“So What? Some Practical Consequences of Extreme Calvinism” by Norman Geisler
(Click p. 160 to read)
“The Unscriptural Theologies of Amillennialism and Postmillennialism” by Thomas Ice
“Why Every Calvinist Should Be a Premillennialist” (part 2 is here) by John MacArthur
More Good Articles on Calvinism by Dave Hunt and T.A. McMahon
Lots of great articles by Leighton Flowers
AUDIO:
“Free Will or Calvinism: Which Should You Choose?” with Frank Turek and Leighton Flowers
VIDEO:
“What Love is This?” by Dave Hunt (Part 1 above, parts: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
“Why I am Not a Five Point Calvinist” by Dr. Norman Geisler
(Part 1 above, Parts: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:
CHOSEN BUT FREE: A Balanced View of God’s Sovereignty and Free Will
(Third Edition, Book) by Norman Geisler
In recent years the age-old controversy between free will and predestination has intensified. Does God alone decide who will be saved and who will not? Or does He give us the freedom to choose? Polarized beliefs have divided churches and even families, while many observers wonder, “Does it really make any difference?” Dr. Norman Geisler answers with a resounding yes. But rather than pitting one strong perspective against another, he presents a powerful but sensibly moderate view. Using biblically sound arguments, Dr. Geisler affirms both the sovereignty and foreknowledge of God and the human responsibility to receive or reject Him. This third edition emphasizes why this debate matters in our lives and adds additional appendices for further research. Paperback, 352 pages. Click here to purchase.
OTHER GOOD BOOKS:
“What Love is This? Calvinism’s Misrepresentation of God” by Dave Hunt
“Determined to Believe: The Sovereignty of God, Freedom, Faith and Human Responsibility” by John Lennox
Getting the Gospel Right: A Balanced View of Salvation Truth by Gordon Olson (book on Amazon)
“John Calvin Goes to Berkeley” by James G. McCarthy