You might find it interesting that the FR Calvinist swarm claims that Calvinism encompasses a range of differing beliefs and is not a monolithic set of doctrinal precepts.
You will also note that the swarm equates Calvinism, at least as they individually perceive it, with the Gospel message of the Bible; even to the point of claiming that Calvinism is the Gospel.
Some of the swarm are so arrogant as to claim that even the Calvinist Charles Spurgeon was wrong about predestination.
We disagree with Spurgeon far less than you do, my friend.
If we slavishly followed Spurgeon, you'd accuse us of worshipping Spurgeon. (You've done it with Calvin, as it is). Calvinists are in no way obliged to agree 100% with any human writer; we're all fallible.
No, we claim that Spurgeon was wrong on 1 Timothy 2:4 -NOT about predestination.
Since you conceded the definition of the Greek word "Pas" to the Calvinists and subsequently ran away from our current conversation (you seem to have the habit of running away from conversations and not following through on your promised defenses), we have not had the opportunity to get to 1 Timothy 2:4 and Spurgeon.
But remember, our disagreement is not with Spurgeon on predestination. For Spurgeon was an ardent 5 Point Calvinist who strongly upheld the "L" of Limited Atonement.
Our disagreement is with Spurgeon on his interpretation of 1 Timothy 2:4.
Let's be honest about this, ctd.
Jean
"You will also note that the swarm equates Calvinism, at least as they individually perceive it, with the Gospel message of the Bible; even to the point of claiming that Calvinism is the Gospel." -connectthedots
IT IS A GREAT THING to begin the Christian life by believing good solid doctrine. Some people have received twenty different "gospels" in as many years; how many more they will accept before they get to their journey's end, it would be difficult to predict. I thank God that He early taught me the gospel, and I have been so perfectly satisfied with it, that I do not want to know any other.... there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified, unless we preach what nowadays is called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else. I do not believe we can preach the gospel, if we do not preach justification by faith, without works; nor unless we preach the sovereignty of God in His dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah; nor do I think we can preach the gospel, unless we base it upon the special and particular redemption of His elect and chosen people which Christ wrought out upon the cross; nor can I comprehend a gospel which lets saints fall away after they are called, and suffers the children of God to be burned in the fires of damnation after having once believed in Jesus. Such a gospel I abhor.
-Charles Spurgeon in A Defense of Calvinism
Jean