Originally posted by Eric B:
.........Your side consistently assumes that our opposition is all about our belief in our own goodness in saving ourselves. There may be some like that, but I know that I, and it appears, the other objectors here, are driven by compassion to the lost. So yes, we seem to be "tugging at God's sleeve like a spoiled child, and begging that He also save everybody else." Isn't this the attitude we all should have? (Because sin is against God, and not us, so who are we to delight in the idea of preterition of others because we think it's God's will.) Look at the very Romans 9 passage that is so misused, but the context ignored: Paul said he wished he could be accursed for the sake of those "vessels of wrath" he describes. It is the opposite of "Praise you Lord that He saved me and will roast those non-elect dogs for your glory", and then trying to mash everyone's face in this and expect them to gleefully accept it. If this is not what people may feel in their hearts, it sure is the way it comes across in this repeated failure to understand the motives of the objections...."
Eric, a great point made here!
Thank you, Eric, Helen, Nelson, Ray, Chet, swaimj, and others. I do not have your eloquence and admire your ability to come to the heart of things.
I will say here, again, that a non-Calvinist does not equal Arminian. I am a Christian, a child of God, because Jesus Christ is my Saviour and Lord, and not because I agree on every point with Pastor Larry and connieman. (There will also be Arminians in Heaven, by the way, those for whom Jesus Christ is their Lord and Saviour.)
Karen