Episode Focus: The gospel invitation, human will, God’s sovereignty
Audience: Christians who believe “whosoever will” contradicts Calvinism
One of the most frequently raised objections to Calvinism is the appeal to verses that say “whoever believes” or “whosoever will may come.” Many Christians assume these passages contradict the doctrines of grace—especially election and irresistible grace.
In Episode 7 of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, we examine what Scripture actually means by “whosoever will.” By letting the Bible interpret itself, we show that the universal gospel invitation and God’s sovereign grace are not in conflict, but work together in God’s plan of salvation.
Do passages that say “whoever believes”:
Teach that human will is the decisive factor in salvation?
Or
Affirm a universal gospel invitation that only God’s grace enables sinners to accept?
Where the phrase “whosoever will” appears in Scripture
The difference between the gospel invitation and human ability
Why Scripture says no one seeks God apart from grace
How God makes sinners willing to come to Christ
How divine sovereignty and human responsibility coexist
John 3:16 — Whoever believes will have eternal life
Revelation 22:17 — Let the one who desires take the water of life
Isaiah 55:1 — Come, everyone who thirsts
Matthew 11:28 — Come to Me, all who labor
Romans 3:10–11 — No one seeks for God
John 6:44 — No one can come unless the Father draws him
John 8:34 — Slaves to sin
Romans 8:7 — The flesh does not submit to God
John 6:37 — All the Father gives will come
Ezekiel 36:26 — God gives a new heart
John 3:3–8 — Born again by the Spirit
Acts 16:14 — The Lord opened Lydia’s heart
Philippians 2:13 — God works in us to will and to act
John 6:37 — Whoever comes will not be cast out
Romans 9:16 — Salvation depends on God’s mercy
Acts 17:30 — God commands all people everywhere to repent
“Whosoever will” does not contradict Calvinism.
Scripture teaches that:
The gospel invitation is genuine and universal
Anyone who comes to Christ will be saved
The reason anyone wills to come is because God first works in the heart
Grace does not close the door to sinners—it opens blind eyes so they willingly walk through it.
