Hope for the non-elect?
One suggestion is this: “Man is responsible to believe. The outward Gospel call is given to all, as a genuine offer. Let’s not go into greater detail on that.”
However, some Calvinists don’t believe that the Gospel is an “offer” or “invitation,” but a command that only those who receive Irresistible Grace will heed. In this way, they avoid the criticism that an invitation without the certainty of a Savior is not a bona fide, legitimate offer. I think that all 5-Pointers have to go that route.
Question: If there was such a thing as “non-election,” as per the Calvinistic doctrine of Unconditional Reprobation, and if I was born as “non-elect,” then what hope could a Calvinist offer me?
Answer: Note that the alleged non-elect have no Savior who died for them, and without the shedding of blood (i.e. Calvary), there is no forgiveness of sins: “And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)
