I get what you’re saying, it is a strange paradox; but God is so far above us and I think both are true.  If the Bible says it, we do have free will and God does choose us, His Spirit ‘woos’ us.  Hard to understand but easy to Trust HIm and not fret.  If great theologians can’t grasp it (and have been arguing for centuries)I’m not going to worry about.  God has given me enough things to dwell on (my husband,children, mortifying my sin and living a righteous life that will glorify my Father).  It is very thought-provoking, though.

That’s exactly my point–both are true! Just like the suffering servant and reigning Messiah!

You know, Calvin was just a man, a godly man non-the-less,
the main thing really is the Gospel. Jesus dying on the cross for a sinner like me; is overwhelming and allows me to have a grateful heart so that I can serve Him and obey Him, live for Him, die to my flesh, to truly pray for humility so that He won’t oppose me, but give me Grace(one of my pastors says we should agree that “we are the worst sinners we know”); these seem to be some of the main themes of the Bible and living a life pleasing to HIm?  Don’t you think so?

I have absolutely nothing against Calvin. Just like Wesley and Luther, Calvin was appalled that followers called themselves by his name. He was a great man and I, myself, might even be a “5 point Calvinist” although I’m not entirely sure I understand the tenants fully.

My point is that Calvinists have made a religion of their own apart from God’s Word. The Bible is profitable for doctrine; doctrine is not the source. “Some say I follow Paul, some say I follow Apollos.” It wasn’t Paul’s fault or Apollos’. It was the followers who were the problem. Paul ends by saying, “follow me as I follow Christ.”

Paul instructs me here because as a Dad I could begin to think that my children should follow me. That’s true when they are young. But as they grow older I must help them to see that they are to follow me only as I follow Christ.  I will follow Calvin as he follows Christ. I will even follow a Calvinist as he/she follows Christ. But I would never call myself a Calvinist. I am a Christian.

Most, (not all), Calvinists that I know tend to be legalists in varying degrees. Maybe I, too, would be considered a legalist by some. With all their “correctness” of doctrine Calvinists sometimes seem to miss the sweet, sweet grace of God.

It is almost humorous to alternate attending a Wesleyan and a reformed church. Although I tend to agree with the Calvinist doctrine a little better than the Wesleyan, I would much rather attend the Wesleyan church! They are more relaxed (sometimes contributing to their downfall), and more fun to be with. This, of course, just my opinion! ..and it isn’t always true. Some of my best friends are Calvinists (no kidding). But really, this is not the point.

Some Calvinists can be arrogant and oppressive. Usually their children hate it and rebel. There are many exceptions. Actually, one of the more humble men that I know is a Calvinist, but the humble ones are still the exceptions, IMHO.

I have nothing at all against Calvin or his followers. But I have a problem when someone puts their doctrine above God’s sovereignty (how ironic) or His love. And I’m pretty sure that Calvin would agree.