Hello All,
I am a Baptist, I would consider myself a Calvinist. I am having a difficult time accepting unconditional election, after having a debate with someone, and also after doing some research. I have the following 4 points I am trying to see how they fit in with unconditional election, and the view I hold of being dead in your sins, unable to come to Christ without effectual calling.
Jesus Healing People By Their Faith
1 - If Jesus healed people based on their faith, would it be safe to say that faith was given to them? Jesus does however say by your faith you will be healed. BUT Faith is a gift. - It seems both are right, why would he ask if they believe, if he is the one who gives the faith. - Kind of like, me asking you to give me my cellphone that's in my pocket, but you can't give it to me unless I take it out my pocket and give it to you.
Unconditional Election
2- Unconditional election requires that:
a) God sovereignly predetermines both election and reprobation.
b) If God sovereignly appointed man to reprobation and creates him anyway, then man cannot help but be reprobate and therefore is not responsible for being reprobate.
c) Since man is not responsible for being reprobate, man cannot be blamed for being reprobate.
d) If man cannot be blamed for being reprobate, he cannot be justly condemned.
e) Since some men are reprobate and justly condemned, unconditional election is false?
f) I believe people are dead in their sins, and can not come to Christ without God opening their hearts, giving the individual the initial faith to believe, but then that would mean he also doesn't give faith to others? - Unless you take the position of conditional election.
God Likened unto a King
3 - If we liken God unto a King, who has thousands of people imprisoned in a dungeon, for another man crime. (original sin) And if He declares that:
a) I want all of you to be set free
b) I have love and mercy for you all
c) I love you so much I have sent my son to pay the penalty for your crimes
d) Whosoever chooses to do so may leave the prison cells and go free
e) The cells are locked, and only the King has the keys (People dead in their sins, and cannot come to Christ left alone)
f) So regardless of what you say or do, I will unconditionally open a few doors and let some of you go.
g) If God has to give the initial faith to believe, because we are dead in our sins, then that would seem to God creates some for special purposes (salvation), and others for common use(destruction) ? Romans 9. - I agree God is merciful for allowing anyone into Heaven. But this story still leaves some questions
Adam and Eve/Satan
4 - Adam/Eve were given the free will to rebel or not rebel. However, if God predestined salvation sovereignly then wouldn't he be responsible for Sin, Because Eve would have been created to rebel and eat the fruit? Or even, If God predetermines salvation (chooses an elect), then Wouldn't Satan be created to rebel, if we use this logic.