The doctrine of irresistible grace, also called efficacious grace, is a theological concept in Calvinism. It refers to the idea that when God calls someone to salvation, they cannot resist or reject that call. This doctrine is closely linked to the Calvinist doctrines of unconditional election (that God chooses who will be saved without condition) and perseverance of the saints (that believers will persevere in faith).
The key biblical passages used to support irresistible grace are:
- John 6:37 – “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” This suggests that all who are chosen by God will come to Christ.
- John 6:44 – “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” This teaches that it is necessary for God to draw people to Christ.
- John 10:27-28 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” This passage indicates that Christ’s sheep inevitably follow him.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not from ourselves.
- Philippians 1:6 – “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God will complete the work of salvation He begins.
- Romans 8:28-30 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” This passage sees salvation from foreknowledge to glorification as a unbroken chain.
Based on these and other verses, Calvinists argue that when God calls the elect to salvation, they cannot refuse because God’s grace is irresistible. God overcomes the elect’s resistance and frees their will so they come to Christ.
However, there are also many verses that suggest God’s grace can be resisted and rejected. For example:
- Matthew 23:37 – “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” Jesus laments that Jerusalem was unwilling to receive His grace.
- John 5:39-40 – “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” Jesus rebukes those refusing to come to Him for life.
- Acts 7:51 – “You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit!” Stephen charges the Jewish leaders with resisting the Spirit.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 – “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Satan can prevent people from seeing the gospel.
Based on these and other verses, opponents of irresistible grace argue that the Bible shows people resisting and rejecting the grace of God. People have a genuine choice whether to accept or reject salvation. God’s desire is for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), but He does not force anyone against their will.
There are good theological arguments on both sides of this issue. Proponents of irresistible grace emphasize God’s sovereignty, the unity of the Trinity in salvation, and the inability of humans to save themselves. Opponents emphasize human free will, human responsibility, and the genuineness of God’s universal saving will. There are thoughtful biblical scholars on both sides of this complex issue.
Potential ways to reconcile these perspectives include:
- Understanding that the grace to even repent and believe comes from God, but people can still resist or reject that grace.
- Seeing God’s saving grace as sincerely offered to all, but only efficacious to the elect who God knows will respond when enabled.
- Distinguishing between an initial outward call to salvation that can be resisted, and an inward call to the elect that enables them to respond.
- Affirming that God’s grace is powerful and effective, but not necessarily always decisive and irresistible in causing salvation.
In summary, the doctrine of irresistible grace is grounded in important biblical truths about God’s sovereignty, the inabilities of man, and the certainty of salvation for the elect. However, it runs into trouble accounting for human free will, responsibility, and the genuineness of God’s saving purpose for all. There are good arguments on both sides, and the issue is much debated between Calvinists and non-Calvinists. There may be opportunities to find common ground and reconcile biblical tensions on this issue. Faithful Christians can have different views on whether God’s saving grace is always irresistible or not.
Some additional key points on irresistible grace:
- The timing of irresistible grace is debated. Does it happen before faith, enabling faith? Or through faith, so that God’s grace engenders perseverance?
- Not all Calvinists hold to irresistible grace. Some affirm total depravity and unconditional election but believe in prevenient grace rather than irresistible grace.
- Biblically, God’s general grace to creation is resistible, but His covenant grace to Israel was effective for salvation.
- Historically, John Calvin articulated irresistible grace in response to the humanist Erasmus, who emphasized free will.
- Looked at another way, irresistible grace underscores that God always accomplishes His sovereign purposes, while resistible grace emphasizes genuine human freedom.
- Both Calvinists and non-Calvinists face theological challenges in accounting for the other side’s biblical passages on this issue.
In closing, Christians of good faith can read the same Scriptures and come to different conclusions on whether God’s saving grace is irresistible or not. This is a complex biblical issue with thoughtful opinions on multiple sides. The truths upheld by Calvinists on salvation must be taken seriously, as should the calls to human responsibility. Grace being irresistible for regeneration and irresistible beyond human effort are distinct concepts. Perhaps focusing on God’s persevering grace amidst struggles can help find common ground. Christians can have unity in the gospel while respecting each other’s views on secondary issues like this.