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Calvinism vs Arminianism: The Forgotten Role of the Holy SpiritYou’ve probably noticed it — the endless debate about Calvinism and Arminianism. Who chooses whom? Does God choose us, or do we choose God? It’s been discussed for centuries, but lately, it feels more alive than ever.
Online, you’ll find brothers like John Piper, R.C. Sproul, James White, Leighton Flowers, Michael Brown, and William Lane Craig — each bringing powerful arguments about election, free will, and grace. And honestly, there’s wisdom in all of them. But as I’ve listened to these voices, I’ve noticed something missing — something vital.
It is about God Holy Spirit. The Spirit is mentioned in various debates, but mainly in connection with His sanctifying work during the life of a Christian. It is also mentioned that a Christian must live by the Spirit; that the Spirit gives life; and that the Spirit uses our conscience.
So, we talk a lot about God and about man… but we rarely talk about the greater role of the Holy Spirit in the work of salvation.
And without the Spirit, this entire discussion is like talking about a fire without mentioning the flame.
2. The Real Question
At the heart of the debate lies one question: Who makes the decisive move in salvation?
Calvinists say: God alone. Arminians respond: God invites everyone, but people must respond freely.
We must not forget that Calvin and Arminius did not take their teachings to such extremes as many do today. It was the later followers of these men who went too far.
Arminius’ followers went much further in their teachings on free will and at one point tended towards the centuries-old false teachings of Pelagius, Pelagianism. It would take too long to explain this here, so I refer you to a article I’ve made about it.
The Calvinists responded to this during the Synod of Dort in 1618–1619. During the synod, a number of important decisions were made, especially with regard to the doctrines that we now summarise under the acronym TULIP… I don’t want to go into that now either. But it became clear that the Calvinist church members dug their heels in. They began to formulate their doctrines of, among other things, unconditional election and limited atonement in such a way that it would be impossible to misunderstand them.
Both are trying to protect something precious — the glory of God, or the reality of human choice.
But what if both are looking at the same mystery from different sides, and the missing piece — the One Who connects divine will and human response — is the Spirit of God Himself?
3. The Spirit’s Central Role
Let’s be honest — without the Holy Spirit, no one can truly come to Christ. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:3, “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”
That’s powerful. Even faith — the act of believing — is made possible by the Spirit. But then Jesus says in John 3:16, “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish.” Whoever.
So yes — the invitation is open to everyone. But the ability to respond — that comes from the Spirit. He doesn’t force belief. He awakens it.
In John 16, Jesus says the Spirit “will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.” Notice that — the world, not a small group of pre-selected people. That means the Spirit works in every heart, calling, convicting, and drawing. But not everyone listens. Not everyone responds. God is sovereign in His calling — but He allows genuine freedom in our response.
4. Understanding Election
Now let’s talk about election.
In Ephesians 1, Paul says, “He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.”
Calvinists often read that as God picking out individuals before time began. But Paul’s focus is actually on Christ. God chose a people in Him. Election is not just about individuals; it’s about identity — about being united with Christ.
So the key question isn’t, “Am I on God’s secret list?” It’s, “Am I in Christ?” And who brings us into Christ? The Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body.”
See the pattern? The Father plans salvation. The Son accomplishes it. And the Spirit applies it. The Spirit makes God’s eternal choice real in time — in you and me. Without the Spirit, election stays theoretical. With the Spirit, it becomes personal.
5. Human Response
Now, that doesn’t mean we have no responsibility. The Bible constantly calls people to repent and believe. Paul says in Acts 17:30, “God commands all people everywhere to repent.”That means there’s a real choice involved. A real opportunity.
But again — that choice only becomes possible through the Spirit.
In John 6:44, Jesus says, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them.” And how does the Father draw us? Through the Spirit. So yes — man chooses, but that choice is only possible because God draws him first.
Why do I say that? Well, let’s have a look at Romans 3:10-11: ‘As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.”’ In other words: Man has free will, but man has absolutely no desire to choose God of his own free will. We are slaves to sin and do not even realise it. The Holy Spirit can break through that and make someone realise that he needs a Saviour.
Spirit doesn’t violate our will; He transforms it. He gives us new desires, new awareness, new hunger for truth. He doesn’t coerce; He convinces. He doesn’t force; He frees.
That’s the beauty of grace.
6. The Spirit Calls All
Here’s what I’ve come to believe: The Holy Spirit calls everyone — truly and sincerely.
Titus 2:11 says, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people.”
The Spirit knocks on every heart. Not always in the same way, not always at the same time — but He does knock. Sometimes through a crisis. Sometimes through a conversation. Sometimes through the quiet conviction no one else sees. Some people resist. Some people respond.
But in every case, God is reaching out through His Spirit. He respects our freedom, but He never stops pursuing.
That’s what divine love looks like — it’s sovereign, yes, but it’s never manipulative.
7. The Role of the Triune God
So here’s where I land.
The Father chooses. The Son redeems. The Spirit calls and gives life. The three work together — never in conflict, always in harmony.
When we argue about Calvinism or Arminianism, we often forget the very One who makes salvation real — the Holy Spirit. Because where the Spirit is, there is freedom. And in that freedom, we discover that God is truly sovereign, and yet, our response — our “yes” to Him — really matters.
So maybe, instead of choosing sides, we should start listening again… to the voice of the Spirit.
