Examining Key Bible Passages || Understanding Reformed Theology || Part 4 of 5

This is Part 4 of a 5 Part series on the evaluation of Reformed Theology, also referred to as Calvinism. We hope you will join us for this complete series.

The tension between divine sovereignty and human free will has challenged theologians for centuries. Nowhere is this more evident than in discussions around Reformed Theology (Calvinism), where seemingly contradictory biblical passages paint a complex picture of salvation.

In this deeply engaging exploration, we move beyond theoretical frameworks to examine the actual Scripture passages that form the foundation of Reformed thought. Starting with 1 Corinthians 2:14, which describes the natural person's inability to understand spiritual things, we carefully consider whether context supports applying this to salvation or if it primarily addresses spiritual discernment for believers. The profound statements of Jesus in John 6—"no one can come to me unless the Father draws him"—receive particular attention, including analysis of the Greek term for "drawing" and how it appears elsewhere in Scripture.

We tackle passages that strongly suggest divine election (Acts 13:48, 2 Thessalonians 2:13) alongside numerous Old Testament texts commanding people to "seek the Lord" (Deuteronomy 4:28-29, Isaiah 55:6-7). The dramatic moment when Joshua tells the Israelites "you have chosen for yourselves the Lord" presents a particularly compelling case for human volition in spiritual matters. Throughout this journey, we discover Scripture affirming both God's sovereign choice and meaningful human response.

What emerges is not a simplistic either/or proposition but a beautiful theological understanding that respects both God's sovereignty and the reality of human choice. Rather than forcing Scripture into rigid systematic frameworks, perhaps we're invited to embrace how these truths coexist. For those struggling with questions of election, predestination, and free will, this episode offers balanced biblical examination that honors the full testimony of Scripture.

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