The Closet Calvinist Podcast Episode 26: Why Doesn’t God Choose His Elect at Birth?
Episode Focus: Election, timing of salvation, eternal decree vs. temporal conversion
Audience: Christians who believe God waits until adulthood or belief to choose His people

A common assumption about election is that God chooses people at some point in their life—often when they reach adulthood, maturity, or make a conscious decision of faith. From this perspective, election appears to be something God does in time, in response to human development or choice.

In Episode 26 of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, we examine this assumption in the light of Scripture. By distinguishing between God’s eternal act of election and the timing of conversion, we show that the Bible does not teach that God waits to choose His people. Instead, Scripture consistently teaches that election is eternal, while salvation is applied in time according to God’s purpose.

All Scripture references in this episode are from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Does God:

• Choose His people at birth, adulthood, or belief?
  Or

• Choose His elect eternally, before time, and save them at the moment He appoints?

• The difference between election and conversion

• Why election is not an event that happens within human history

• Scriptural examples of God setting people apart before birth

• Why salvation occurs at different times for different people

• The fallen human condition and the necessity of sovereign election

• Pastoral implications for assurance and trust in God’s timing

• Ephesians 1:4 — Chosen before the foundation of the world

• 2 Timothy 1:9 — Grace given before the ages began

• Romans 8:29–30 — God’s saving purpose from foreknowledge to glory

• Jeremiah 1:5 — Known and consecrated before birth

• Galatians 1:15 — Paul set apart before he was born

• Psalm 139:13–16 — God’s sovereign knowledge of life in the womb

• Romans 9:11–13 — Jacob and Esau chosen before doing good or bad

• Romans 9:16 — Salvation depends on God’s mercy, not human will

• Psalm 51:5 — Born in sin

• Ephesians 2:1–3 — Dead in trespasses and sins

• John 6:44 — No one can come unless drawn by the Father

• Ecclesiastes 3:1 — A time for every purpose

• John 6:37 — Those given to the Son will come

• Acts 13:48 — Appointed to eternal life believed

Scripture does not teach that God waits until birth, adulthood, or belief to choose His elect. Instead, the Bible teaches that election is eternal, grounded in God’s sovereign purpose, while conversion occurs in time according to His perfect will.

God is never early.
God is never late.
He saves His people precisely when He intends.

The right question is not when God chose His elect—but whether we trust that His purposes are wise, good, and unchanging.

• Episode 25: “I Will Draw All People to Myself” — John 12:32

• Episode 27: Who Did the Choosing? — 1 Peter 2:9

• Episode 30: Faith Is a Gift — Monergism vs. Synergism

Bonus Episode 12 - Pascal’s Wager — Can You Bet Your Way Into Heaven?

In this episode, we examine Blaise Pascal’s famous argument known as Pascal’s Wager.

Pascal argued that believing in God is the most rational decision because if God exists, the reward is eternal life, and if He does not, little is lost.

But can this kind of reasoning produce saving faith?

From a Reformed perspective, the answer is no.

Faith is not the result of a risk assessment; it is the gift of God to spiritually dead sinners whom He sovereignly regenerates and draws to Christ.

• Ephesians 2:8–9
• Philippians 1:29
• 1 Corinthians 2:14
• Ephesians 2:1
• John 6:37
• John 6:44
• John 6:65
• Ezekiel 36:26
• John 3:3
• Hebrews 11:6
• Acts 16:31

• John Calvin
• Charles Spurgeon

Pascal’s Wager may prompt a person to think seriously about eternity, but only the sovereign grace of God can bring a sinner to genuine faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith is not a bet.

Faith is a gift.

The Closet Calvinist Podcast Episode 25: “I Will Draw All People to Myself” — John 12:32 and the Doctrine of Election

Episode Focus: Election, effectual calling, the meaning of “all” in Scripture
Audience: Christians who believe John 12:32 refutes Calvinism or Irresistible Grace

One of the most frequently quoted verses against the doctrine of election is John 12:32, where Jesus says, “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” Many assume this means every individual is drawn to Christ in the same saving way—thereby denying election.

In Episode 25 of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, we examine this passage in its immediate context, its use of language, and its harmony with the rest of John’s Gospel. By allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture, we show that this verse does not refute election but instead affirms the global scope of Christ’s redemptive work.

All Scripture references in this episode are from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Does John 12:32 teach that:

• Christ draws every individual without exception?
  Or

• Christ draws all kinds of people—Jews and Gentiles alike—according to God’s sovereign purpose?

• The immediate context of John 12 and the arrival of Gentiles

• How Scripture uses the word “all” (all without exception vs. all without distinction)

• What “draw” means elsewhere in John’s Gospel

• Why drawing in John is effectual, not merely invitational

• The global scope of redemption versus universal salvation

• How election guarantees the success of the gospel mission

• John 12:32 — “I will draw all people to myself”

• John 12:20–24 — Greeks seek Jesus; the scope of redemption widens

• John 12:27–33 — Jesus speaks of His death and its purpose

• Matthew 28:19 — All nations

• Revelation 5:9 — Every tribe, language, people, and nation

• Titus 2:11 — Grace appearing to all people (all kinds)

• John 6:37 — All the Father gives will come

• John 6:44 — No one can come unless drawn by the Father

• John 6:65 — Coming to Christ granted by the Father

• John 10:14–16 — Christ lays down His life for the sheep, including “other sheep”

• Romans 8:30 — Those called are justified

• Acts 13:48 — Appointed to eternal life believed

John 12:32 does not teach universal salvation or deny election.

Instead, it proclaims that Christ’s death will draw God’s people from every nation, not Israel only. The verse speaks to the scope of redemption, not the mechanism of salvation.

Christ does not merely attempt to draw sinners—He effectually draws all whom the Father has given Him. The cross does not make salvation possible; it accomplishes salvation.

Election is not threatened by John 12:32.
It is confirmed by it.

• Episode 24: Can God’s Grace Be Resisted? — Acts 7:51 & Matthew 23:37–39

• Episode 26: Why Doesn’t God Choose His Elect at Birth?

• Episode 30: Faith Is a Gift — Monergism vs. Synergism

Bonus Episode 11 — What Killed Doctrinal Preaching?

In this bonus episode of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, Mike Gaudiosi examines the decline of doctrinal preaching in modern churches and asks the important question: What killed doctrinal preaching?

This episode discusses:

• The rise of entertainment-driven churches
• Why many pastors avoid controversial doctrine
• Paul’s warning about “itching ears”
• The danger of man-centered Christianity
• Why doctrine is essential to spiritual growth
• The importance of returning to expositional preaching

• 2 Timothy 4:1–4
• Galatians 1:10
• Acts 2:42
• Acts 20:27
• Hosea 4:6
• Jeremiah 6:14
• Matthew 10:34
• John 21:17

Charles Spurgeon:

“The coals of orthodoxy are necessary to the fire of piety.”

Thank you for listening to The Closet Calvinist Podcast.

🎙️ The Closet Calvinist Podcast Episode 24: Can God’s Grace Be Resisted? — Acts 7:51 & Matthew 23:37–39

Episode Focus: Resistible vs. irresistible grace, gospel call, human responsibility
Audience: Christians who believe these passages refute Irresistible Grace

Two of the most frequently cited passages against the doctrine of Irresistible Grace are Acts 7:51 and Matthew 23:37–39. In both texts, people appear to resist God—leading many to conclude that God’s saving grace can be finally thwarted by human will.

In Episode 24 of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, we examine these passages carefully in their historical, literary, and theological context. By distinguishing between the external call of the gospel and the effectual call of God, we show that these verses do not refute irresistible grace—but instead clarify how God’s grace operates in Scripture.

All Scripture references in this episode are from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Do Acts 7:51 and Matthew 23:37–39 teach that:

• God’s saving grace can be finally resisted?
  Or

• People can resist God’s external call while God’s effectual grace remains victorious?

• The difference between the outward call of the gospel and inward regeneration

• What it means to “resist the Holy Spirit” in Acts 7

• Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem and the nature of His desire in Matthew 23

• Why resisting God’s commands is not the same as resisting God’s saving decree

• How Scripture holds human responsibility and divine sovereignty together

• Why irresistible grace does not mean forced or coercive grace

• Acts 7:51 — “You always resist the Holy Spirit”

• Matthew 23:37–39 — Jesus laments over Jerusalem’s unwillingness

• Isaiah 65:2 — God holds out His hands to a rebellious people

• Matthew 22:14 — Many are called, but few are chosen

• Hebrews 3:7–8 — Warning against hardening the heart

• John 6:37 — All the Father gives will come

• John 6:44 — No one can come unless drawn by the Father

• Romans 8:30 — Those called are also justified

• Acts 13:46 — People judge themselves unworthy of eternal life

• Luke 19:41–44 — Jesus weeps over Jerusalem’s rejection

• John 5:40 — “You refuse to come to me that you may have life”

• Isaiah 46:9–10 — God’s purpose will stand

• Job 42:2 — No purpose of God can be thwarted

• Romans 9:19–21 — Who can resist His will?

Acts 7:51 and Matthew 23:37–39 do not teach that God’s saving grace can be finally defeated by human resistance.

Scripture clearly teaches that:

• People can and do resist God’s commands, prophets, and external gospel call

• God’s effectual grace, however, always accomplishes its saving purpose

• God changes hearts rather than merely persuading them

Irresistible grace does not mean people are dragged unwillingly to Christ.
It means God so changes the heart that sinners willingly come.

Grace is not coercive.
Grace is victorious.

Bonus Episode #10 Psalm 81:13 and Irresistible Grace: Does God’s Lament Refute Calvinism?

In this bonus episode of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, Mike G. examines Book of Psalms and answers a common objection to the Reformed doctrine of irresistible grace.

Some claim that Psalm 81:13 disproves Calvinism because God says:

“Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!” (ESV)

Does this mean God sincerely desires to save people who ultimately resist Him? Does this imply that His grace can fail?

In this episode, we show why the answer is no.

Psalm 81 is a covenantal lament in which God expresses His grief over Israel’s persistent rebellion. The passage reveals God's moral delight in obedience and the blessings that would have followed had Israel listened to Him.

This verse does not describe a frustrated deity whose sovereign purposes are thwarted. Rather, it reflects the distinction between:

• God’s Revealed (Preceptive) Will — what God commands and delights in
• God’s Secret (Decretive) Will — what God has sovereignly ordained to come to pass

The doctrine of irresistible grace teaches that when God purposes to save His elect, the Holy Spirit effectually changes their hearts so that they willingly and joyfully come to Christ.

• Book of Psalms
• Gospel of John
• Gospel of John
• Gospel of John
• Book of Ezekiel
• Epistle to the Romans
• Book of Isaiah
• Epistle to the Ephesians
• Acts of the Apostles
• Epistle to the Romans

Psalm 81:13 expresses God’s holy displeasure over Israel’s disobedience, not a failure of His sovereign will.

Israel “would not submit” to God. Their rebellion was deliberate and culpable.

God does not merely invite sinners; He regenerates them, giving them a new heart that gladly responds to Christ.

“All that the Father gives me will come to me.” (John 6:37)

Calvin taught that passages like Psalm 81:13 reveal God’s fatherly kindness and man’s guilt, not any weakness in God’s sovereign power.

When God changes the heart, Christ becomes the soul’s greatest desire.

“Give what You command, and command what You will.”

“God does not merely make salvation possible—He effectually saves His people.”

Psalm 81:13 does not refute irresistible grace. Instead, it highlights:

• God’s genuine delight in obedience
• Humanity’s responsibility for rebellion
• The necessity of sovereign grace
• The certainty of God’s saving purpose

Episode 23: “One Has Died for All” — Does 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 Refute Limited Atonement?

Episode Length: ~45–60 minutes
Episode Focus: Atonement, biblical interpretation, “all” language in Scripture
Audience: Christians wrestling with Limited (Definite) Atonement

One of the most frequently cited objections to Limited Atonement comes from 2 Corinthians 5:14–15, where Paul writes that “one has died for all.” Many argue this verse proves that Christ died for every individual in the same way—thereby refuting Calvinism.

In Episode 23 of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, we examine this passage carefully in its context, compare it with Paul’s broader theology, and ask a crucial question:
What does Paul mean by “all”?

By letting Scripture interpret Scripture, we show that this passage does not undermine definite atonement—but instead supports it.

All Scripture references in this episode are from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Does 2 Corinthians 5:14–15:

• Teach universal atonement for every individual?
  Or

• Teach that Christ died for all those represented in Him—His people, from every nation and background?

• The importance of interpreting verses in their immediate context

• How Paul uses the word “all” throughout his writings

• Representation and union with Christ

• Why “all” does not automatically mean “every individual without exception”

• How the atonement actually accomplishes salvation

• Why definite atonement provides assurance rather than limitation

• 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 — “One has died for all… that those who live might no longer live for themselves”

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Those who are in Christ are new creations

• 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 — Reconciliation applied to a specific people

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 — Christ made sin for us

• Romans 5:18–19 — “All” connected to representation in Adam and Christ

• 1 Corinthians 15:22 — “All” who are in Christ will be made alive

• Titus 2:11 — Grace appearing to all kinds of people

• Matthew 1:21 — Jesus will save His people from their sins

• John 10:11, 15 — The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep

• Ephesians 5:25 — Christ gave Himself up for the church

• Isaiah 53:10–11 — Christ’s death actually secures justification

• John 6:37–39 — Those given to the Son will be saved

• Hebrews 9:12 — Christ obtained eternal redemption

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 does not teach that Christ died for every individual in the same way.

Instead, Paul teaches that Christ died for all those united to Him, such that:

• His death actually secures their salvation

• They die with Him and live through Him

• They are reconciled to God, not merely made savable

The atonement is not limited in power—but definite in purpose.

Christ did not die to make salvation possible.
He died to save.

• Episode 1: Are You a Closet Calvinist? Understanding TULIP

• Episode 6: Is Calvinism Fair? What About God’s Justice?

• Episode 9: Arminian Counter-Arguments and Calvinist Responses

Bonus Episode 9: If God Is Sovereign, Why Is There Evil? Is God the Author of Sin?

Key Question

• If God is sovereign, why does evil exist?
• Is God the author of sin?

• Divine Sovereignty
• Human Responsibility
• Secondary Causes
• God’s Holiness
• The Problem of Evil

• Isaiah 46:9–10
• Ephesians 1:11
• Proverbs 16:33
• James 1:13
• 1 John 1:5
• Acts 2:23
• Acts 4:27–28
• Genesis 50:20
• Romans 9:22–23

• John Calvin
• Martin Luther
• John Owen

• Augustine of Hippo
• Justin Martyr
• Irenaeus

God is sovereign over evil without being sinful.
He ordains it, governs it, and uses it for His glory—while creatures remain fully responsible.

The Closet Calvinist Podcast Episode 22: “Not Wishing That Any Should Perish” — Does 2 Peter 3:9 Refute Election?
Episode Focus: Election, God’s will, divine patience, biblical interpretation
Primary Text: 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
Audience: Christians confused by apparent tension between God’s patience and sovereign election

One of the most frequently quoted verses against the doctrine of election is 2 Peter 3:9, where Scripture says that God is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

At first glance, this verse appears to contradict the idea that God has chosen some for salvation. Many conclude that if God does not wish for anyone to perish, then election must be unbiblical.

In Episode 22 of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, we examine this passage carefully in its immediate context, biblical theology, and whole-Bible framework. Rather than contradicting election, 2 Peter 3:9 actually reveals God’s patience toward His people and His unwavering commitment to bring all of the elect to repentance.

Does 2 Peter 3:9 teach that:

• God intends to save every individual without exception?
  Or

• God is patiently ensuring that none of His chosen people perish before the final judgment?

• The context of Peter’s discussion about Christ’s delayed return

• The importance of identifying the audience (“toward you”)

• How Scripture uses words like “all” and “any” contextually

• The difference between God’s revealed will and His decretive will

• Why divine patience serves God’s saving purpose

• How this passage harmonizes with clear teachings on election

• 2 Peter 3:9 — God’s patience and desire that all reach repentance

• 2 Peter 3:1–2 — Peter writing to believers

• 2 Peter 3:8–10 — The Lord’s timing and the certainty of judgment

• Isaiah 46:9–10 — God accomplishes all His purpose

• Daniel 4:35 — God does according to His will

• Romans 9:16 — Salvation depends on God’s mercy

• Ephesians 1:4–5 — Chosen before the foundation of the world

• Romans 8:29–30 — God’s unbroken chain of salvation

• John 6:37 — All the Father gives will come to Christ

• John 6:39 — Christ loses none of those given to Him

• John 10:16 — Christ will bring all His sheep

• Acts 18:9–10 — God has many people yet to be saved

• 2 Timothy 2:10 — Enduring for the sake of the elect

• Ezekiel 18:23 — God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked

• Ezekiel 33:11 — God calls sinners to turn and live

• Matthew 23:37 — Rejected outward call and human responsibility

2 Peter 3:9 does not refute the doctrine of election.

Instead, it teaches that:

• God is patient toward His people

• Christ’s return is delayed until all the elect are brought to repentance

• God’s saving purpose cannot fail

• Divine patience is an expression of sovereign mercy

God does not lose a single one of those He has chosen.

As Jesus declares:

“This is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me.”
— John 6:39 (ESV)

Why the Church Must Defend the Faith (and Why It Doesn’t)

In this bonus episode, we examine the biblical necessity of apologetics and why it is often neglected in today’s church.

Drawing from 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) and a key insight from Van Til’s Apologetic, we show that defending the Christian faith is not optional—it is a responsibility given to every believer, and especially to church leaders.

We also explore:

• Why apologetics is neglected
• What Scripture commands
• How the Reformers approached defending truth
• Why this issue is critical today

• 1 Peter 3:15
• Jude 3
• Acts 20:28–30
• Titus 1:9
• 2 Timothy 2:15
• 2 Corinthians 10:5
• Colossians 4:5–6

From Van Til’s Apologetic (p. 29):

“The obligation to defend the Christian faith rests upon all believers… and especially upon those charged with defending the flock.”

• Apologetics is commanded in Scripture
• It is the responsibility of all believers
• Pastors have an even greater responsibility to defend the flock
• The modern church often neglects this duty
• Defending the faith is an act of love and obedience

• Martin Luther
• John Calvin
• J. Gresham Machen
• R.C. Sproul

“Apologetics is not optional—it is obedience.”

• Share this episode
• Study Scripture deeply
• Equip yourself to defend the faith

📖 Jude 3 (ESV)

“Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”

Soli Deo Gloria