The verses Calvinists use to prove that everything must go according to the decreed will and counsel of God that no one can resist are:
Psalm 33:10-11 “The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”
Psalm 15:3 “He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.”
Psalm 35:6 “Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.”
Proverbs 16:33 “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.”
Proverbs 21:30 “There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.”
Proverbs 19:21 “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”
Isaiah 14:27 “For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?”
Isaiah 43:12-13 “I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?”
Isaiah 46:9-10 “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:”
Daniel 4:35 “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”
Ephesians 1:11 “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:”
But all these verses are simply just pointing out that no matter what man freely decides, good or evil, they cannot overthrow His plan.
Free choice is not out of the picture, it’s still there.
God’s not going to waste it though, whatever they decide, and be sure to use it for His glory.
Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”
The above is a favorite Calvinist passage, but notice right here, wherever the rivers flow, then God will utilize that tide for His glory.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
Whatever man decides, good or evil, God’s going to make sure to use either choice for His glory.
For further reading,
– Eternal life or everlasting life is only for the elect?
– False teachers and doctrines arise as a lack of dispensationalism and KJV only
– Irresistible grace – and man’s power to resist it
– Limited atonement vs universal atonement
– Sovereign election – a big misunderstanding!
– The difference between Jewish people and Christians
– The truth about the book of life