Few or most? Some Cals say... But Johnathan Edwards said...

[humblethinker]

I recall, in past communications here on BB that that some Cals were quick and confident to support the idea that most people would be saved. I found this very odd. Today, upon reading Jonathan Edwards, "Sinners In The Hand Of An Angry God", I see that Edwards supported the view that only a comparative few are actually 'elect': "...there are but few saved, and that the greater part of men that have died heretofore have gone to hell..."

So, which is it? Did God predetermine that only a comparative few were to be saved or did He predetermine that most were to be saved? Why would a Calvinist be motivated to think that God has elected any amount amassing to more than what can be considered as 'few'?

 

[mont974x4]

I don't recall any Calvinists claiming most people will be saved. I'm sure there are some out there but I don't recall knowing any.

 

[Mexdeaf]

I don't recall any Calvinists claiming most people will be saved. I'm sure there are some out there but I don't recall knowing any.

I don't recall even ever hearing an Arminian say that...

 

[Jerome]

"I do abhor from my heart that continual whining of some men about their own little church as the "remnant"—the "few that are to be saved." They are always dwelling upon strait gates and narrow ways, and upon what they conceive to be a truth, that but few shall enter heaven. Why, my friends, I believe there will be more in heaven than in hell." —Charles Spurgeon, "Heavenly Worship"

 

[mont974x4]

I don't recall even ever hearing an Arminian say that...

I have....many times. It was mainly while enrolled in a Nazarene (Wesleyian/Arminian) college.

 

[Yeshua1]

I recall, in past communications here on BB that that some Cals were quick and confident to support the idea that most people would be saved. I found this very odd. Today, upon reading Jonathan Edwards, "Sinners In The Hand Of An Angry God", I see that Edwards supported the view that only a comparative few are actually 'elect': "...there are but few saved, and that the greater part of men that have died heretofore have gone to hell..."

So, which is it? Did God predetermine that only a comparative few were to be saved or did He predetermine that most were to be saved? Why would a Calvinist be motivated to think that God has elected any amount amassing to more than what can be considered as 'few'?

think the truth is that from the perspective of us as sinners, few are saved, when we get to heaven , we will realise many more than we expected were!

As when we see things from the perspective of How God is and how we really are, will be pleasantly surprised how many were brought in!

 

[mont974x4]

Perspective doesn't have anything to do with it. God's Word is clear when it says narrow is the way and few will find it. Or, in other terms, many are called but few are chosen.

The reality is that most people will be in Hell forever. It's God's grace alone that affords the few the guarantee of eternal life in instead of eternal torment.