Hi Don,

I must admit, I spent almost an hour carefully preparing an answer for you on your other post in another thread, then ended up deleting it for the very reason you mention here: "I have never seen anyone on either side switch to the other side from a discussion on this either!" I just couldn't bring myself to start throwing Scriptures at you that you already knew.

Not all discussions are unfruitful, however. I "converted" from Arminianism to Calvinism many years ago when listening to one of my now favorite teachers, John H. Gerstner. He was lecturing one night in Dothan, Al, and hit me square between the eyes with the truth. I was offended at first; the carnal man fought hard, but in time the Spirit softened my attitude, and made me see how wonderful His Grace in Election is. Knowing that ALL men are spiritually dead and incapable of "choosing" Him, at first made it all seem hopeless to me. But, now I saw the truth and had new-found hope that He in His sovereignty and tender mercies would eventually bring to faith (life) loved (dead) ones amongst my (spiritually dead) family and friends, and in some cases He already has. After all, He brought a lowly creature like me to faith! Praise be to God.