The Compatibility of “Divine Sovereignty & Free Will” from a ...

V. Additional Considerations:
11. Most Calvinists distinguish at least three dimensions of God’s will:
A. God’s prescriptive will (e.g., Be perfect because He is
perfect);
B. God’s permissive will (which allows sin);
C. God’s providential or over-ruling will (which brings good out
of evil).
God’s (B) permissive and (C) providential wills cannot be resisted, for
He never allows more than what He permits, and He always
accomplishes His ultimate purposes (Isa. 55:11). The command (or
call) to be saved is a command He allowed to be resisted (2 Peter 3:9;
Matthew 23:37).