Where Do These Views Lead? Classical Theism vs. Open Theism

The Starting Point Shapes the Destination

When Christians wrestle with God’s sovereignty, two big frameworks usually emerge: classical theism and open theism. Both claim to defend God’s greatness, but they start with different assumptions about His knowledge of the future.

And here’s the striking part: where you start almost inevitably determines where you end up.

Start with classical theism → you logically end with limited atonement.
Start with open theism → you preserve the love of God for all people.

Path 1: From Classical Theism to Limited Atonement

Classical theism begins with this assumption: God has exhaustive foreknowledge of every detail of the future as fixed facts.

But if that’s true, then:

Foreknowledge = predestination. If God eternally knew every choice, He also predetermined every choice.
Predestination includes salvation and damnation. Augustine and Calvin were consistent here: some are eternally chosen, others are eternally rejected.
The atonement must be limited. If God predestined only certain people to salvation, then Christ’s death must be only for them. Otherwise, the cross would be wasted on those never chosen.

This is the theological “logic” behind the L in the Reformed acronym TULIP: Limited Atonement.

But the cost is steep: this view portrays God as decreeing both salvation and damnation before the world began. It raises a question that shakes many: Does God truly love all people?

Path 2: From Open Theism to the Love of God

Open theism starts differently. It affirms that:

God is all-knowing, but the future includes real possibilities, not just fixed certainties.
God knows every possible outcome, but He does not eternally foreknow every free choice as settled.
This preserves genuine freedom — and therefore genuine love.

From here, the path unfolds like this:

Free will is real. People can truly accept or reject God’s grace.
God’s desire is sincere. He “wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4).
The atonement is unlimited. Christ died “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). His offer is genuine for every person.
God’s love is consistent with His character. He is not double-minded, willing some to perish and others to be saved. His heart for the lost is authentic.

By beginning with open theism, you preserve the biblical picture of God as a Father who longs for all to return, even if many freely reject Him.

The Diverging Portraits of God

Classical Theism → Limited Atonement: God is portrayed as a sovereign ruler whose decrees include eternal damnation, even though He commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). His “love for the world” (John 3:16) must be redefined as “love for the elect.”
Open Theism → Universal Love: God is portrayed as a loving Father who genuinely invites all. He mourns rejection (Luke 13:34), rejoices over repentance (Luke 15), and sent His Son for the entire world (John 3:16).

Conclusion

Where you start shapes where you finish.

If you start with classical theism’s exhaustive foreknowledge, you will logically end at limited atonement and a God whose love is partial.
If you start with open theism’s relational knowledge, you preserve God’s love for all, His sincerity in the gospel invitation, and the reality of free will.

The choice is not just philosophical — it’s deeply pastoral. One path leads to a God who scripts damnation. The other to a God whose arms remain open, longing for every prodigal to come home.