Calvinism vs. The Great News

Calvinism is one of the most influential theological frameworks in Christianity, built upon the five points of Calvinism (TULIP) and the belief that God sovereignly predetermines salvation and condemnation. In contrast, The Great News Network (TGNN) presents a fulfilled perspective—one that challenges Calvinist doctrines by emphasizing universal reconciliation, free will, and the completed work of Christ.

This page explores the key differences between Calvinism and the fulfilled perspective, highlighting how the Great News presents a more freeing and loving view of God’s plan.

Predestination vs. Salvation Through Fulfillment

One of Calvinism’s most defining beliefs is predestination—the idea that before creation, God chose who would be saved and who would be condemned. This doctrine is based on the idea that:

  • God’s election is unconditional—humans play no role in their salvation.
  • Only a select group (the elect) are chosen to receive salvation.
  • The non-elect are eternally damned, with no chance of redemption.

The fulfilled perspective directly challenges this by teaching that:

  • Salvation is not selective—it was fulfilled for all through Christ’s completed work.
  • The old covenant system of election (Israel as God’s chosen people) was fulfilled, and salvation was extended to all humanity.
  • Every person has the choice to engage with the reality of fulfillment rather than being predetermined for salvation or condemnation.

Rather than a God who arbitrarily elects some and rejects others, the fulfilled view presents a God who has already reconciled the world and invites everyone to live in the joy of that fulfillment.

The Nature of Grace: Irresistible vs. Freely Given

Calvinism teaches that grace is irresistible, meaning:

  • Those whom God has chosen cannot reject His grace.
  • God’s saving work is entirely His doing, without human participation.
  • If someone is elect, they will inevitably be saved.

The Great News presents grace differently:

  • Grace is freely given, not forced—God has fulfilled His promises to humanity, but people can choose to accept or reject that reality.
  • Love requires free response—if grace were truly irresistible, there would be no meaningful relationship between God and humanity.
  • The invitation is open to all—no one is excluded from the effects of Christ’s completed work.

Rather than a God who forces salvation onto some while withholding it from others, the fulfilled perspective presents a God who offers grace universally and allows humans to freely respond.

Human Will: Total Depravity vs. Freedom in Christ

Calvinism teaches Total Depravity, meaning:

  • Humans are so corrupt by sin that they cannot choose God on their own.
  • Every thought, action, and desire of humanity is tainted by sin.
  • Only God’s intervention can bring someone to salvation.

The fulfilled perspective challenges this by teaching:

  • Sin is no longer a barrier—through fulfillment, Christ defeated sin, meaning humans are no longer spiritually depraved or incapable of choosing faith.
  • Humans are free to respond to God’s love—rather than being enslaved to sin, people can consciously engage in faith and love.
  • The old covenant’s burden of sin was removed—people are no longer seen as totally depraved, but rather fully reconciled.

Instead of viewing humanity as helplessly corrupt, the fulfilled perspective sees people as free to live in faith and love without the weight of depravity.

The Scope of Redemption: Limited vs. Universal

Calvinism teaches Limited Atonement, meaning:

  • Christ only died for the elect—his sacrifice was not for all people, but only for those whom God chose.
  • Salvation is exclusive—those outside of God’s predetermined plan have no chance of being redeemed.

The fulfilled perspective teaches:

  • Redemption is universal—Christ’s work fulfilled all things and reconciled all people to God.
  • No one is excluded—while people can choose to live in faith or ignore the reality of fulfillment, salvation is not limited to a select few.
  • The gospel is actually good news—rather than an exclusive doctrine of limited redemption, the fulfilled perspective presents a God who loves and redeems all humanity.

The fulfilled perspective replaces Calvinism’s narrow, exclusionary view of redemption with a truly universal, inclusive Great News.

What Does a Fulfilled Perspective Teach About God’s Sovereignty?

Calvinism’s view of God’s sovereignty is that He is absolutely in control of all things, including:

  • Who is saved and who is not
  • Every decision and action humans make
  • The course of history, with no room for free will

While the fulfilled perspective upholds God’s sovereignty, it rejects the idea that sovereignty means absolute control. Instead, it teaches:

  • God’s sovereignty is demonstrated in love, not force—He does not manipulate every human action but allows genuine freedom.
  • God fulfilled His promises, giving humanity the ability to choose—rather than predetermining salvation, He completed His work and left it open for response.
  • God’s sovereignty is relational, not coercive—He reigns through love, not through dictating every detail of existence.

The fulfilled view presents a more freeing, love-centered understanding of God’s sovereignty, showing that He chooses relationship over control.


Conclusion: A God of Love, Not Selective Election

The core difference between Calvinism and the fulfilled perspective is the nature of God’s love and salvation. While Calvinism teaches:

  • Predestination (God chooses some, rejects others)
  • Irresistible grace (people have no choice in salvation)
  • Total depravity (humans are helplessly sinful)
  • Limited atonement (Christ’s work is for a select few)
  • A controlling view of sovereignty

The fulfilled perspective offers an alternative:

  • Salvation is for all—not just the elect.
  • Grace is freely given—not forced.
  • Humans are not totally depraved—they are reconciled.
  • Redemption is complete—all people can live in the joy of fulfillment.
  • God’s sovereignty is based on love and freedom, not absolute control.

Instead of a God who chooses a few and condemns the rest, the fulfilled perspective presents a God who has already fulfilled all things and invites everyone to live in faith and love.

Explore our Comparative content collection

For decades, we at The Great News Network have been producing educational content to help you explore and learn about various religious perspectives, particularly with respect to The Great News. We encourage you to explore this content to help you find your own understanding of truth.


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