Scott - I took no offense....but I may now with your suggestion that we Calvinist believe that WE alone are those chosen 'few'. [Linked Image] Well, some Calvinists think that way....<br><br>The 'calling' has gone out to hundreds of millions. In the USA, there are Churches on every street corner...yet I would say that 'few' possess real live believers. Many professors....few possessors. <br><br>As for people rejecting this free gift of eternal life...is not the act of rejecting Christ the absence of a necessary positive action or 'work' (i.e., exercising belief)? Similarly, would not receiving this free gift also be a work of the will? <br><br>Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. <br><br>Besides, <br><br>1) if sin kills (especially the sin of disbelief), <br>2) and Christ died for the sins of the world,<br>3) and ALL sins are forgiveable, except the 'unpardonable sin' and NOW the sin of unbelief, with Christ's blood being all sufficient,<br><br>....then doesn't that require US to atone for the sin of disbelief...since Christ's blood can't? <br><br>And if we can atone for sin (even just one) ... why do we theoretically need a Savior? <br><br>If we can atone for the sin of disbelief by turning from and repenting of unbelief ... doesn't that make salvation ULTIMATELY a matter for US to work out? Isn't salvation then in OUR hands as a work to accomplish in conjunction with Christ's? <br><br>What ever happened to that GRACE you speak so foundly of? <br><br>Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: <br><br>This 'grace' of yours is not much grace since it's really up to us to find it within ourselves to lay hold of this 'conditional grace' . I smell semi-pelagianism. <br><br>What kind of god needs our help?