I want to repeat, re: Bibleanswers.com "the Calvinistic refinement of this theory..", that finding a piece here and there, using a verse or a chapter, 'refining'.. etc., allows one to come up with all sorts of teachings. It's been done many different ways and many different times.
It's when you end up in a meaningless cosmos without choice, without any sense in Jesus's ministry, that you fail, that you must realize that no matter how tight your systematic theology seems, no matter where you can point to this piece or that, somewhere, somehow, something has been missed.
No. Refining means removing of impurifications. One refines gold in fire and it comes out purer. Augustine was very astute, Particularly for his time concerning the "Calvinist" doctrines. Yet, Augustine didn't really have the assurance that comes from realizing that it is all of God. If your desire is towards God and your trust in the atoning blood of Christ alone for your salvation, then you are of His elect. NOTHING can separate you from the love of God, not death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor height nor depth - NOTHING. For we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS through Him who loved us.
Again D-Fendr It is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Not about us! That's what Calvinism is about. I hope he elected everyone! I have no merit in myself to gain his approval for election. But if he did not, I know God is holy. God is just. God is sovereign. And I live in thanksgiving towards Him for His unspeakable gift.