The Calvinism Debate - Way of Life Literature

denoting a present state previously formed, BUT GIVINGNO HINT OF HOW IT HAD BEEN FORMED. at theobjects of final wrath had themselves a hand in the mattermay be seen from 1 ess. 2:15-16.”By allowing the Bible to speak for itself through the plainmeaning of the words and by comparing Scripture withScripture we find that the sinner fits himself for destructionby his rejection of the truth. Even those who have neverheard the gospel, have the light of creation and conscienceand are responsible to respond to the light that they have thatthey might be given more light (Acts 17:26-27).d. Romans 9:23-24 does not mean that God calls only acertain pre-chosen elect group to salvation.“And that he might make known the riches of his glory onthe vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared untoglory, even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only,but also of the Gentiles.”One has to read sovereign election into the language of theverses. e Calvinist claims that verse 24 refers to “effectualcalling,” which is a term that describes the “irresistible callingof the elect,” but this is to add to God’s Word. God callsthrough the gospel (2 ess. 2:14) and the gospel is to bepreached to every creature (Mk. 16:15). God calls “whosoeverwill” (Rom. 10:13; Rev. 22:17). God calls every one thatbelieves on Christ.“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every onewhich seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may haveeverlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (Jn.6:40).e. God’s salvation even of the Jews was not a matter of“sovereign” election but was based on an individual’s faith.“But Israel, which followed aer the law of righteousness,hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore?Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by theworks of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;31