I grew up a Catholic. At the age of 16, I became a Christian, a believer and follower of Jesus. In the winter of '95-'96, I started listening to RC Sproul's Renewing Your Mind. (I could have listened before, but that's the first time I remember listening.) I was impressed with RC's intelligence and how respectful he was to opposing viewpoints. That January, they did their series on predestination.
At first, I thought he was going to teach about foreknowledge. Then, I realized he was going to teach a Calvinist position on election. I was floored. I honestly didn't think anyone believed that way anymore.
Then, I started becoming convinced. I'm writing to explain my thought processes on objections I had. Common objections are dealt with by RC Sproul in his book, Chosen by God. I will not cover objections he already addressed. I will be going over more questions I had. Any objections Sproul raised...I was outmatched. That's why I must refer you to his book. Even if you are an Arminian like I was, it is a good book to read so you understand Calvinism. I had a lot of misconceptions.
Final note, I agreed with Calvinism for a while, but I hated believing it. I've come around since then. :)
Well, no he wasn't. But God isn't fair...but that's ok. In the one parable, he treats some workers with more mercy by giving them the same money as other workers for less work. This is called a divine perogative. And, no, it's not fair.
I also realized that the conversion of Paul wasn't fair. He doesn't strike everyone down on a road with a big vision. That's not fair. This made me realize God doesn't have to be fair. He doesn't have to do something for everyone. And that takes away a major Arminian objection.
And I know better to ask God for what I deserve. That would mean I would go to hell.
I thought about this, and then had to conclude no. I was convinced that I had no desire to choose God until God put the desire in me. Arminianism has dead people wanting God. This made no sense to me. Once you are convinced of the spiritual deadness of the unregenerate man, you will be a Calvinist.
Well, no. Get this: for those he doesn't elect, He allows Arminianism to be true. ??? You see, God allows the unelect, spiritually dead person to choose what he (or she) wants. (that's Arminianism) Since they are spiritually dead, they choose not God 100% of the time.
So that's my story. We don't have to agree on this, but I pray you will see the truth and beauty and usefulness of this doctrine.