A Couple of Calvinists

Dear Fellow Travelers,
For some of you, I have (of late, at least) been pushing the proverbial “envelope” pretty far, and you have reacted (in love, of course); on the other hand, there are those of you who have been most comfortable, even encouraging me to continue. Truthfully, I enjoy the dialogue, especially when someone is sincerely searching for truth. On the other hand, I really don’t mind the “attacks” that come because I know that truth will stand on its own two feet; thankfully, I do not have to defend it. I really am too old to take on that project!
It is sad, however, that many people are so convinced that their belief system is absolutely, positively correct, that they cannot fellowship with those who disagree with them. It makes me wonder if they realize just how prideful that stance really is; after all, God is The Creator and The Sustainer of this universe. In light of that fact, I have the strong feeling that not one of us has even scratched the surface, when it comes to knowing theological truth. To be sure, this writer is well-aware of his ignorance, and the older he becomes, the more he realizes just how little he knows. Thankfully, the older I become, the more I realize that it is really OK for me to know little, and it really doesn’t disappoint God because He already knows it. Imagine that!
Anyway, yesterday I had lunch with a dear friend, a comrade in theology (he is every bit as Calvinistic as I am; maybe even more so, if that were possible!), and we had a great time. He is better read than I am, but I can almost keep up with him, most of the time. His working knowledge of the Scriptures is far above most folk that I know, (yes, including me, which really isn’t saying much!), but most of the time, I do know from whence he cometh and can, therefore, continue the dialogue.
Now, you have to understand this: We both bleed Calvinism. I know that some people bleed “red & black” and others bleed “blue & gold” and some don’t bleed at all, but we bleed Calvinism. Truth is, neither of us like to be placed in such a pigeon hole, but doing so in the moment simplifies my making my point, if you know what I mean by Calvinism. If not I will help you. Do you remember the acronym T U L I P? Well, again, if you don’t, I will help you: Total depravity; Unconditional election; Limited atonement; Irresistible grace; and Perseverance of the Saints. Just to set the record straight, some prefer Definite atonement but that ruins the acronym! (It is the foundation of the Baptist doctrine but they don’t know it!)
My Point: Although both of us are well-aware of our ignorance and our need to be teachable, iron does sharpen iron, especially when there is love and freedom! Because I love him and because I have the freedom to do so, I want to ask you to pray for my friend, as he listens to that still, small Voice.