[Gamecock]

More importantly, how do you explain Jesus' words:

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. – John 12:47-48

The answer that no one has ever given us Calvinists around here is why do some respond and some don't? The verse you provided does not answer that question, but rather how is one saved.

The above verse is an outward call. Those who God foreordained for His own purpose will hear that and respond with faith. Those who are not foreordained will think it is foolish.

Romans 8:30 And those whom he predestined [God choose us] he also called,[ the verse you cite] and those whom he called he also justified,[He calls, he justifies] and those whom he justified he also glorified.[We will be at home with Him one day].

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for your reply!

The answer that no one has ever given us Calvinists around here is why do some respond and some don't?

Willfulness.

The verse you provided does not answer that question, but rather how is one saved.

To the contrary, “hear my words, and believe not” – “rejecteth me, and receiveth not” are willful, i.e. voluntary as compared to involuntary.

The above verse is an outward call. Those who God foreordained for His own purpose will hear that and respond with faith. Those who are not foreordained will think it is foolish.

Romans 8:30 And those whom he predestined [God choose us] he also called,[ the verse you cite] and those whom he called he also justified,[He calls, he justifies] and those whom he justified he also glorified.[We will be at home with Him one day].

Predestination and free will are not mutually exclusive (emphasis mine).

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. – John 1:12-13

Romans 8 etc. should be read altogether. It exhorts us to follow the leading of the Spirit and not the carnal man (free will.) It also speaks of predestination. Both are true.