Calvin merely pointed out that if one is saved in God's plan, that salvation cannot be lost.
We live our lives according to His will; not ours.
Naw Doc - I dont look to my church to keep me "upright" -I'd agree if you had left it at the RC.
I have an assurance of faith, but can admit that I am enough of a yutz to foul it up, calling my salvation into question.
....and while it doesnt fit into your paradigm, I pray continually His will is done on Earth, and that I am an agent of that will.
Sorry to be contrary, must be the fiber
does this make me a lukewarm calvinist (gasp)
Hows the weather?
Hi, Rev! Well, you're heading in the right direction.
The point is you might feel you could "foul up" your salvation, but God knows if you'll be with Him in heaven or not. So ultimately, if God holds you as His Elect, you can't "foul it up." And we live our lives knowing His presence is always with us, guiding us every step of the way.
Since we're human, we sometimes fail; sometimes sin. But we can't "lose" the salvation God already knows He's gifted us with since our sins have been washed away by Christ's sacrifice. That's eternally reassuring. I think it's just an added, logical measure of comfort the Reformed perspective gives the believer.
And it's not the church that "keeps us upright"; it's the Holy Spirit. We probably agree on that.
Weather's fine; always is. I like all weather. 8~)