That has been precisely my point, j. You are subjectively certain of your salvation just as I am (though I suspect the means of establishing that certainty may differ between us). Because as Calvinists FK and I believe that salvation is evidence of election and that God will preserve believers in their faith unto full and final salvation, we then deduce that we are therefore numbered among the elect and will be fully and finally saved.
Again, our assurance of election is the logical conclusion drawn from our assurance of salvation.
I am quite honestly truly surprised that you have never once heard such a thing from a Calvinist. Taking you at your word that you have discussed such things with many Calvinists here, it appears we as a group aren't doing a very good job of presenting a defense and explanation of our doctrines. Perhaps I shall devote more time to posting in the Religion Forum again alongside my fellow Calvinists :)
We believe, as Peter and Paul did, that we have the hope of salvation, depending on our staying the course.
We do not have this Gnostic indwelling of certainty; we understand that Scripture does not support certainty, rather hope.
As mentioned in previous posts, there appears to be many heresies posited by the Protestant Reformation that are not only enthusiastically refuted by the Church Fathers, but are as equally enthustiastically championed by the descendents of the Reformers.
Well, again, this is news to me, and I hope it is true.
Because as Calvinists FK and I believe that salvation is evidence of election and that God will preserve believers in their faith unto full and final salvation, we then deduce that we are therefore numbered among the elect and will be fully and finally saved.
Well, our definition of "the elect" are different. The Bible tells us that the elect are those called to the Church membership, the People of God. Now, while we remain as God's people, we are "subjectively certain" of our salvation. But we do not believe that God works against our free will. If we sin grievously and refuse to repent, our situation with Christ is worse than if we had never came to Him in the first place - says Jesus, Peter and Paul. I do not make the automatic jump from being called into the Church to eternal glory, because I realize that I can change for the worse despite God's graces - by my own free will. While it is unlikely, and becomes more unlikely as I grow in virtue (if I grow in virtue), I am still exhorted to persevere. ME. The New Creation in Christ now has an opportunity to enter heaven - one that I couldn't before being reborn of the Spirit in Baptism. God is not asked to persevere. He will ALWAYS grant grace to me. My future is unknown to me, thus, I do not presume - I must beware that I do not falter.
Again, our assurance of election is the logical conclusion drawn from our assurance of salvation.
Again, I believe this is an incorrect conclusion of improperly defining the biblical meaning of "elect". It does not refer to the individual's assurance of eternal glory, but predestination and election to the community. Being part of the flock does not mean we will REMAIN part of the flock, since we can remove ourselves by unrepented serious sins. We cannot have a relationship with Christ in that situation.
I am quite honestly truly surprised that you have never once heard such a thing from a Calvinist. Taking you at your word that you have discussed such things with many Calvinists here, it appears we as a group aren't doing a very good job of presenting a defense and explanation of our doctrines. Perhaps I shall devote more time to posting in the Religion Forum again alongside my fellow Calvinists :)
No, I have not gotten the idea that you are "merely" subjectively saved and that salvation can be lost by our own doing. I have not heard that, but rather, that once 'saved', we cannot fall away, unless we "never were saved with to begin with". While others have admitted that a Calvinist can fall away, it is considered rare and always someone else. The SELF cannot fall away, so it appeared. Anyway, my conversations of the past can be researched, and you would find that my responses are attempting to refute the "I am saved for heaven because I am of the elect".
Don't feel bad. Not many people understand Catholicism, either. I do not know whether this is an active attempt by Protestant pastors to keep their "flock" at home or whether people hear theology from bad sources (such as former Catholics who invariably know very little about their former faith), or whether it is just people do not really care what Catholics believe and are satisfied with the cliches. Anyway, that is why I am here.
Regards