A defence of Calvinism

Sorry----There is no "man" at the beginning of my "trail of blood".

 

How do you KNOW that you're one of the elect? Maybe you're simply one of those stinking dirty sinners who hates God masquerading as one that is saved.

 

StraightAndNarrow:

I know I am one of the elect because I am saved and trust Christ alone for my salvation:

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:13, ESV)

 

That isn't a proof. This scripture applies to everyone who would like to think they are members of the Elect. The Bible says they few will find the way.

Again, how do you know that you are one of the Elect?

 

God is not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentence.

Christ died for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD.

Ya know, I notice a holier-than-thou, self righteous, prideful spirit in people who make statements like 'those dirty rotten sinners'.

Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luke 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

 

standingfirminChrist,

I notice a "holier-than-thou" attitude in people who think they were good enough, or smart enough, or persuaded enough, to "choose" salvation when the Bible says they are DEAD unless and until the Holy Spirit regenerates them.

Sinners are dirty, rotten and they hate God. The Bible says we were all enemies of God until He saved us. That is quite easy to see.

 

What about the fact that we are made in His image and likeness?

I know you don't believe that His image and likeness is as you described man above do you?

James 3
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

HankD

 

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

HankD