Recently several people have asked what specific points lead me away from Calvinism. I believe there are many who are trying to help a loved one to give up their Calvinism.  I hate to tell them, but it is doubtful a podcast will accomplish that. It is very difficult to leave a system of thought after you've fully adopted it.

Nevertheless, I tell my story and reveal the top five points that helped me to see the text from another perspective.  In summary, here are the 5 points:

1. I came to realize that the "foresight faith view" was not the only scholarly alternative to the Calvinistic interpretation.

2. I came to understand the distinction between original sin (depravity) and the Calvinistic concepts of "Total Inability."

3. I accepted the fact that a gift doesn't have to be irresistibly applied in order for the giver to get full credit for giving it.

4. I realized that the decision to humble yourself and repent in faith is not meritorious. Even repentant believers deserve eternal punishment.  God gives grace to the humble not because humility earns grace, but simple because God is gracious.

5. I came to see the larger picture of the total historical context of the scriptures as it relates to the national election of Israel (which included selecting individual Jews) and then the nation’s judicial hardening.  All of which was brought to pass for the overall redemptive plan of God.

Tune in for more!  And to join the discussion visit us at www.soteriology101.com.