AJC

Just in case you missed something I just edited something into my post, that I think may be of some help to you.
I would recommend that you get a DVD called 'Amazing Grace' The History Theology of Calvinism.
If you are interested in find out more go here .
This DVD helped me help a friend to understand and embrace the doctrines of grace. I highly recommend it. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/BigThumbUp.gif" alt="" />

You said:
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If all these commands are dependent solely on God's work aren't they superfluous or are they merely directions for the elect and condemnation for the non-elect?

Not sure this answers you question, but correct understanding doctrines such as election, gives us a better understanding of our sovereign God. It also helps us to focus our minds to look at the rest of Scripture, through God's eyes, instead of our own.
Arminians view election through there own fallible eyes and as a result see the Reformed (Biblical) view of election as an insult to their intelligence.
Romans 9:21 is but a glimpse of how to look at life through God's eyes.

Tom