***We are to share the Gospel because Christ sent us to do so.***
Are we back to the strictly mechanical Reformed view of the elect?
***God uses us as His instruments to preach the word so that others can hear. Those who were predestined will eventually believe.***
The Reformed predestined will believe regardless of your action or inaction. They are predestined. What, then, is the use of your preaching?
***We are commanded to witness to everyone.***
For what purpose? The elect will be ambushed by the Holy Spirit; the non elect will be taunted. Is this Christianity?
***I believe that if I drop a hammer it will fall.***
No. Your experience tells you that it will fall. It is knowledge. No wonder we have such interesting debates - we don’t even have common terminology.
***I know that the faith God gave me in our Lord Jesus Christ is true. ***
See? The Reformed appear have redefined “belief” and “knowledge” each to mean the other.
Are we back to the strictly mechanical Reformed view of the elect?
I don't know. What is that? The Reformed believe that God sends all of His children to minister to all people. Is that so bad?
The Reformed predestined will believe regardless of your action or inaction. They are predestined. What, then, is the use of your preaching?
You are forgetting that it is God's INTENTION to use His elect to reach others of His elect. So, in some cases my action is indeed required because that is what God planned. The cause of my action is wholly God, but it is still necessary for God's plan to be fulfilled. That is the use of my preaching.
FK: ***We are commanded to witness to everyone.***
For what purpose? The elect will be ambushed by the Holy Spirit; the non elect will be taunted. Is this Christianity?
No, that doesn't sound like Christianity. I can't speak for Catholicism, but I'm glad I don't know of anyone who thinks like you say. When we preach to the saved-to-be, the purpose is obvious. When we preach to the non-elect, we also benefit from the experience, and the non-elect probably benefits from the interaction as well. It is NEVER a waste to preach the Gospel.
FK: ***I believe that if I drop a hammer it will fall.***
No. Your experience tells you that it will fall. It is knowledge. No wonder we have such interesting debates - we don’t even have common terminology.
You're right that we don't have common terminology. I really DO believe that if I drop a hammer it will fall. So, I have no idea what you're talking about.
See? The Reformed appear have redefined “belief” and “knowledge” each to mean the other.
How do you define your faith in your Church? Do you believe that your uninspired men are correct, or do you know it?