[El Cid]

Thanks for the excellent post (good work!).
I have zilch to add to your's, and others', comments - but I would like to echo the experiences of others that I too didn't buy this predestination 'malarky' when I first heard it a few years ago. It really grated against my perception of 'common sense'. The concept of election annoyed me to no small degree.
But as I read God's word, and thought about what I read, I came to realize that I was offended because the doctrine of predestination contradicted MY view of how God should think. It's SO easy to fall into the trap of making God in our image - rather than remembering that we are a distorted image of the perfect, infinite, God. God says He will have Himself a remnant, a people who He will save, and who He will choose. And He won't lose a single sheep of His flock.
He will have an elect whom He has predestinated before the foundation of the world - who will have the pleasure of glorifying Him in the Congregation of the Righteous.
All of this aside, I'm sure there are many free-will brethren that are saved. They may be too stubburn to admit that it was God alone who opened their eyes so that they could see well enough to 'choose Christ' but, on the other hand - I doubt there is a doctrinal exam for entrance into God's Kingdom. If God has regenerated someone's heart of stone into a heart of flesh - that is, a heart that loves; and has given them a new spirit - then that person is saved (even if they are a stubborn old cuss)...

[Jerry_M]

"...then that person is saved (even if they are a stubborn old cuss)"

Or, as in my case, "especially if they are a stubborn old cuss"!!

Good post. Mom, here is another one for the BUMP list.

[RnMomof7]

But as I read God's word, and thought about what I read, I came to realize that I was offended because the doctrine of predestination contradicted MY view of how God should think. It's SO easy to fall into the trap of making God in our image - rather than remembering that we are a distorted image of the perfect, infinite, God. God says He will have Himself a remnant, a people who He will save, and who He will choose. And He won't lose a single sheep of His flock. He will have an elect whom He has predestinated before the foundation of the world - who will have the pleasure of glorifying Him in the Congregation of the Righteous.

Welcome brother.Excellent post ! .May I add you to the Calvin bump list?

Jerry,Sola the beat goes on :>))

[Jorge]

All of this aside, I'm sure there are many free-will brethren that are saved. They may be too stubburn to admit that it was God alone who opened their eyes so that they could see well enough to 'choose Christ' but, on the other hand - I doubt there is a doctrinal exam for entrance into God's Kingdom. If God has regenerated someone's heart of stone into a heart of flesh - that is, a heart that loves; and has given them a new spirit - then that person is saved (even if they are a stubborn old cuss)...

For one who claims to give all credit to God, this is one of the most pretentious self-righteous condescending judgements of other Christians I have seen.

"that person is saved (even if they are a stubborn old cuss)"

....as if you are so much more worthy than others?
Gag me with a spoon!

The hypocrital and contradictory nature of Calvinist arguments never ceases to amaze me.

The Bible teaches both God's sovereignty and man's responsibility when it comes to salvation.
Otherwise God could not fairly hold man responsible for rejecting Christ......because according to Calvinist, God is the One responsible....and yet He punishes man. How warped.