This reference provides a side-by-side comparison of Calvinist, Arminian, and Calvary Chapel perspectives on Election and Reprobation. It summarizes the core beliefs, key distinctions, and scriptural support in a print-ready format.
| Doctrine | Calvinist (Reformed) | Arminian (Classical) | Calvary Chapel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature of Election | Unconditional—God chooses whom He wills, not based on foreseen faith
or merit. Key Verses: Eph 1:4–5; Rom 9:15–16; Acts 13:48 |
Conditional—God elects based on His foreknowledge of who will
believe. Key Verses: Rom 8:29; 1 Pet 1:2 |
Election in harmony with God’s foreknowledge, without negating
sovereignty. Key Verses: Rom 8:29; 1 Pet 1:2; Eph 1:4 |
| Reprobation | Some are passed over or decreed to condemnation. Key Verses: Rom 9:18, 22; Prov 16:4 |
Condemnation results from unbelief and rejection of Christ. Key Verses: John 3:18; 2 Thess 2:10–12 |
Reprobation is man’s refusal of salvation, not God’s decree. Key Verses: John 3:16–19; 2 Pet 3:9 |
| Extent of Atonement | Limited—Christ died only for the elect. Key Verses: John 10:15; Matt 1:21 |
Unlimited—Christ died for all, applied to believers. Key Verses: John 3:16; 1 John 2:2 |
Unlimited—Christ’s death is sufficient for all, effective only for
believers. Key Verses: 1 John 2:2; John 3:16 |
| Grace | Irresistible—The elect cannot ultimately resist God’s saving
call. Key Verses: John 6:37, 44; Rom 8:30 |
Resistible—God’s prevenient grace enables faith, but man can
resist. Key Verses: Acts 7:51; Matt 23:37 |
Resistible—God’s Spirit convicts all, but may be resisted. Key Verses: John 16:8; Acts 7:51 |
| Human Free Will | Humans are spiritually dead; cannot choose God apart from
regeneration. Key Verses: Eph 2:1; Rom 3:10–12 |
Prevenient grace restores enough freedom so all may respond. Key Verses: John 12:32; Titus 2:11 |
Humans are accountable and must choose to respond to the
gospel. Key Verses: Rom 10:9–13; Josh 24:15 |
| Perseverance / Security | True elect will endure to the end. Key Verses: Phil 1:6; John 10:28 |
A believer may fall away through apostasy. Key Verses: Heb 6:4–6; 2 Pet 2:20–22 |
Believers are secure in Christ but exhorted to abide. Key Verses: John 15:6; 1 John 5:13 |
| Practical Emphasis | Proclaim God’s sovereignty and glorify Him in salvation. | Highlight man’s responsibility and the universal offer of salvation. | Preach the gospel to all; embrace both sovereignty & responsibility as divine mystery. |