Heya everyone! This may be a little long - but I want to explain all the details so people can best help me.
At my dads house, me and my brothers, sister in law and step mother are having a Bible study. We are going through Romans right now. When we started the study me and my wife were the only Calvinists - now, one of my brothers and his wife are as well... but my other brother, my dad and my step mom are Calvary Chapel People (the NON-Calvinist type of CC!) So basically I have been biting my tongue for the most part as we have been going through Romans (which as you can imagine, is difficult) - but yesterday we started Romans 8. We were doing verses 1-17, and when we came to verses 7 & 8, I simply wanted to point out that unregenerate man is NOT ABLE to please God - and that repenting and trusting Christ is pleasing to God.
The reaction was odd.
My dad agreed... but started saying "I know where you are going - you want to say that it's not for everyone, but for some, and I don't agree. God sends the Holy Spirit to everyone - some respond & some don't. God knows who will respond and who wont (etc.)" And he was getting fairly upset. He then said "moving on..." and wanted to move on. I pointed out that I was not talking about Limited Atonement (I am not sure he is familiar with that term, but that IS what he was talking about), as I don't think Romans 8:7,8 deal so much with that part of the Doctrines of Grace.... and I did get my dad to agree that it was fair that when something like this comes up I should be allowed to present my understanding just like he can.
I was pleased that he agreed, as I know very well that Romans 8:28-30 and Romans 9 are looming ahead.
So I realized two things.
1. I want to have a very clear understanding of Romans 8:28-30, and need to be able to exegete it clearly and accurately.
2. My dads problem seems like it is with Limited Atonement... so I need to get educated better on this point.
It may be important to note that during this study, he is making extensive use of Warren Wiersbe's commentary. I am not that familar with it, but some of you may know about it.
My dad is a smart, fair and reasonable man - he LOVES God and the Bible. He is an extremely thorough, logical and linear thinker... and again, VERY smart. If I can present Calvinism accurately, clearly and completly, then I feel the odds are better that he will give it some serious thought.
So I would appreciate any and all good resources you all can point me to regarding Romans 8:28-30, Limited Atonement, and Romans 9. I have about 2 weeks before we finish off Romans 8, and then two more weeks before we get to Romans 9. So I have some time - but not an extreme amount of time.
Again, sorry this was so long. Thanks in advance for all your help.
Take care,
Rob


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