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AJC said:
It usually comes down to - well if I'm not elect I'm screwed anyway - even if I pray for salvation it's futile because if my name isn't written in the book of life it's a lost cause. They will often tell me that this doctrine would be a major source of frustration (& possibly even despair) for them if they believed it.
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/yep.gif" alt="" /> I hear ya and I've heard that objection and dozens upon dozens more over the years, all of which are empty because they are contrary to biblical teaching.

1) There is no basis for anyone to conclude that they are reprobate and thus consigned to hell no matter what they do. The decrees of election and reprobation belong to the secret counsel of God Who has not published a list of names for all to see. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

2) Even if one has been predestined to damnation, that does not relinquish them from being responsible to a) make use of the means of grace or b) to be obedient to the moral law of God. Those who are reticent in doing either only show themselves worthy of damnation. For "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" . . . thus it is through the ordained means that the Spirit works in the heart of those who will be saved. Put another way.. God ordains the means as well as the end!!

Methinks you should read Boettner's Objections: Answered, particularly #4 which addresses the specific objection above. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/BigThumbUp.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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