Did God or Satan Make David Take the Census? Is Salvation Really Free? Predestination Debate

Is salvation truly a free gift, or do we choose God? In this heated episode of Ask A Christian Podcast, host Nate tackles one of Christianity's most divisive debates: Calvinism vs Arminianism, free will vs predestination, and whether we have any say in our salvation.
The conversation kicks off with a biblical "contradiction" about who incited David to take the census—was it God or Satan? Spoiler: it's not actually a contradiction, but the explanation launches a marathon discussion about God's sovereignty, compatibilism, and whether your eternal destiny was decided before you were born.
Key questions explored:

Is salvation really a "free gift" if you have to do something to receive it?
Does God violate free will by hardening Pharaoh's heart?
Can you truly choose to believe, or is belief involuntary?
What's the difference between Calvinistic and Arminian views of grace?
If God predestines everything, why evangelize?

Featuring passionate exchanges between Calvinists and non-Calvinists, a frustrated atheist caller pressing the "is it a gift or not?" question, and Nate's exasperated plea to focus on the gospel instead of theological rabbit holes. Plus: a neuroplasticity detour, Romans 1 references, and a reminder that arguing about predestination won't save anyone.
Whether you're reformed, Arminian, or just confused, this episode will make you think—and maybe laugh at how Christians can turn a simple question into a 90-minute theological cage match. (Spoiler: the gospel is still simple. Repent and believe.)
For more content, visit: https://www.askachristianpodcast.com

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:14 - Who incited David to take the census? (God or Satan?)
2:50 - First order vs second order causation explained
4:14 - Is this a contradiction on a plain reading?
8:03 - How can God be sovereign AND we have free will?
13:54 - Calvinism vs Arminianism: What's the difference?
17:00 - Election and predestination explained
21:02 - Is salvation truly a "free gift"?
32:26 - If it was truly a gift, everyone would just have it
38:05 - Accepting a gift vs working for it
50:04 - Does the data suck or did you not understand it?
58:33 - Does God have reasons for His actions?
1:22:32 - God hardening Pharaoh's heart (Exodus 4:21)
1:27:03 - Final thoughts: Just preach the gospel

HASHTAGS
#AskAChristianPodcast #Calvinism #Arminianism #FreeWill #Predestination #ChristianDebate #Salvation #Christianity #Bible #GodsGrace #FaithQuestions #ChristianApologetics #Gospel #BibleStudy #BiblicalContradictions