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.