As a born again Christian who has surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, I don’t say this lightly: Calvinism doesn’t make sense to me.
I didn’t come to this conclusion out of ignorance, rebellion, or preference for “easy theology.” I came to it after wrestling directly with each point of the Calvinist TULIP framework, point by point, Bible in hand, heart open before the Lord, taking the time to study it.
This is not about attacking anyone personally. It’s about being honest with where I stand as a Christian who believes the Gospel is real, available, and transforming for everyone who believes.
How I Tested Calvinism: The TULIP Framework
I took time to go through each of the 5 Calvinist doctrines summarized in “TULIP.” Here’s how it broke down for me:
1. T – Total Depravity
Calvinism says we’re so lost that we can’t even choose God unless He first regenerates us.
I agree that we are all sinners. I agree that we’re spiritually broken and desperately need grace. But I do not believe that we are so spiritually dead that we’re unable to respond to God unless He secretly gives us new life first.
Why? Because I chose to turn to God when my life was falling apart — through suffering, attacks, and health issues. I sought Him. I cried out.
That wasn’t me being “regenerated first,” that was God giving me the chance to respond. He opened the door, but I had to walk through it.
So I reject the Calvinist definition of “Total Depravity.”
2. U – Unconditional Election
Calvinism teaches that God chose who would be saved before the world began — and it had nothing to do with our response.
To be honest: This feels completely unfair, and it’s not the God I see in Scripture. The Bible says:
“God desires all people to be saved.” (1 Tim. 2:4)
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
How do you reconcile that with the idea that God picked only a few to be saved, and left the rest with no real chance?
No — I believe that God is just, and He responds to faith, not random election.
3. L – Limited Atonement
Jesus only died for the elect, not for all people.
This was an easy no for me. I believe — and the Word says — that Christ died for the sins of the world:
“He is the atoning sacrifice… for the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)
Jesus died for everyone, even for those who reject Him. That’s the depth of His love. Calvinism limits the cross — but the Bible doesn’t.
4. I – Irresistible Grace
When God calls you to salvation, you can’t say no.
I’ve seen people say no to God. I’ve seen people hear the Gospel and walk away. Grace is powerful, but it’s not forced.
God calls — but we must respond. That’s consistent with how God has always worked with people throughout Scripture: inviting, not coercing.
5. P – Perseverance of the Saints
A true believer can never lose salvation, no matter what.
This is the only one I wrestled with. I personally believe I will never walk away from Christ — I’m fully His, and I live for Him. But I’ve also seen people who once seemed truly saved walk away and live in rebellion without repentance.
So for me, salvation is secure if we remain in Christ and continue in repentance. If someone turns away from Christ and chooses darkness without repentance, they are not walking in salvation.
Obedience matters. Repentance matters. Not because we earn salvation — but because it proves we’re truly following Jesus.
Why I Ultimately Rejected Calvinism
After examining TULIP, praying, and comparing it to Scripture, I had to be honest:
Calvinism didn’t reflect the character of God I know
It didn’t reflect the freedom and responsibility I see in Scripture
And it didn’t match the Gospel I preach — that anyone can come to Jesus, right now, by faith.
Jesus said:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)
He didn’t say:
“Come to Me, only those I picked in eternity past.”
I Believe in a Gospel That’s Real for Everyone
I believe Jesus died for the worst sinner.
I believe every person has the chance to turn to Him.
I believe salvation is by grace, through faith — and that faith must be chosen.
I’m not here to win a theological debate. I’m here to testify that Jesus Christ changed my life, and He’ll do it for anyone who calls on Him — not just the “elect.”
Calvinism doesn’t make sense to me.
But Christ does.
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