Perhaps if I present Calvin's TULIP theory, and the problem I had with it, you might be able to see more clearly why I believe what I do.
Total depravity (no one is capable of saving oneself);
Unconditional election (God's choosing of the saved isn't conditioned by anything in them);
Limited atonement (Christ's atonement is adequate to save all people but it is efficient for God's elect only);
Irresistible grace (the sovereignly given gift of faith cannot be rejected by the elect);
Perseverance of the saints (those who are regenerated and justified will persevere in the faith).
Now I believe the T, U, I, P. I have a serious problem with the "Limited atonement", basically because of John 3:9 "Not wishing that any perish , but that all should reach repentance". (ESV) There are other verses that say pretty much the same thing. So as a teacher of the Word of God, I was not comfortable in my spirit to go along with limited atonement. There had to be an answer to the people who were not considered "elect".
I really don't know where I came up with the phrase "General Call of the Gospel". I had never heard of it before. It seemed to me that the Spirit of God wanted me to teach that, and over about 25 years I have taught the General Call of the Gospel. I firmly believe that everyone on the planet has an opportunity to hear, and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know that a lot of folk have a problem with Irrestible Grace of those who are predetermined by God to be saved. I like John 10:27-29 "
Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
Joh 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Joh 10:29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.
Well, that's it in a nutshell....I was going to stop posting in this thread because I was getting frustrated, and that is no time to respond. I have settled down and after looking at a few posts, the teacher in me just couldn't stay away.