Nate tackles free will versus predestination with biblical precision and theological depth

Who Made David Take the Census? Is Salvation a Free Gift? (Calvinism vs Arminianism)

What happens when a biblical “contradiction” about David’s census spirals into a ninety-minute theological cage match over free will versus predestination? Nate and the Ask A Christian crew tackle the question of whether God or Satan incited David’s census—then watch as caller Mike turns the conversation into an interrogation of salvation itself. Is it truly a free gift if you have to repent and believe? Can God be sovereign while humans have free will? And why do Christians spend more time arguing about Calvinism than actually preaching the gospel? Buckle up—this episode has all the answers, plus a few exasperated sighs from Nate.

Free Will Versus Predestination: The Biblical Bottom Line

The David census question is straightforward once you understand God’s sovereignty. In 2 Samuel 24, God incites David to take the census. In 1 Chronicles 21, Satan incites him. The answer? Both are true. Satan acted as the immediate cause—the first-order agent—but God permitted and used Satan’s temptation to fulfill His purposes. This mirrors the account of Job, where Satan afflicted Job only after God allowed it. God’s sovereignty does not negate human or demonic agency; it encompasses all secondary causes under His ultimate decree.

On the question of salvation as a free gift, Scripture is clear: eternal life is offered freely to all who repent and believe (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9). The debate between Calvinists and Arminians centers on whether this “free” gift requires human choice or divine regeneration first. Calvinists argue God regenerates the heart unilaterally, enabling faith and repentance—making salvation entirely God’s work. Arminians contend humans must choose to accept God’s grace. Both camps agree on this: no one earns salvation through works. The gospel remains simple—repent, believe, and receive eternal life. For deeper theological exploration, visit our Theology Unpacked category.

When “Free Gift” Becomes a Courtroom Drama

Mike, the atheist caller, spent thirty minutes litigating the phrase “free gift” like it was a Supreme Court case. His argument? If you have to do anything—even reach out your hand to accept salvation—it’s not truly free. Nate tried the Christmas present analogy: if his daughter unwraps a gift, does that make it a transaction? Mike doubled down. Courtney jumped in with Romans 4, explaining that wages are earned but grace is credited. Mike still wasn’t buying it. By the end, even Chris the Calvinist admitted Mike was accidentally making the best case for Reformed theology he’d ever heard. The irony? Everyone agreed the gospel is simple—but no one could stop arguing about it.