If Calvinism is anywhere near correct (an admission I emphatically do not make), then what is the impetus to evangelize the world? Those who are destined to go to heaven will have the Holy Spirit descend upon them regardless of where they dwell in either the Amazon or the Congo.
Those who will dance in eternal torment will do so regardless of anything that anyone will do to or for them. I ask you again, what is the point of such a doctrine? It is awful and goes against most of the Gospels. What is the appeal to you?
“If Calvinism is anywhere near correct (an admission I emphatically do not make), then what is the impetus to evangelize the world?”
It has something to do with love the Lord your God and your neighbor. Since you don’t know who the elect are and since you know where salvation is, loving your neighbor is pointing him/her to the life saver. Jesus also tells us to do it and then says those that love Him do as He says. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.............the love of Christ constrains us”.
Christ called us to preach the Gospel to all men and nations. None of us knows the names of the elect, but we have His promise that all His flock will follow Him and that none will be lost. And how do Christ's sheep know His voice? By the preaching of the Gospel.
what is the point of such a doctrine?
The doctrine of election is clearly outlined in Scripture. When you see God, you can ask Him what His point was in electing some and reprobating others. Scripture tells us we're not to ask that question of God now because it is for God alone to know. At the same time, we are told to acknowledge God's election and be grateful for it.
The problem you're having with election is endemic to humankind. Why is anyone condemned and why is anyone acquitted when we are all sinners? We might as well ask God why He created life at all.
Life is not "fair," according to our standards. Rich men have a difficult time getting to heaven, and the meek will inherit the earth. What does that say about human initiative?
The world conspires to silence the doctrine of election because it forces men to relinquish all power over salvation and justice to God alone. To deny election is to listen to the voices of this world which tell us we can be just like God, knowing good from evil.
But the real comfort the doctrine of election provides is in knowing that God breathed your name, Mark, in the same breath He spoke Christ's resurrection from the cross from before the foundation of the world. Christ won a very personal salvation for each of His flock.
Here's a sermon by Calvin on Ephesians 1. Spend some time this weekend reading it and see if it speaks to you...