With all due respect, to everyone, I haven't seen one clear cut answer offered up...As Christians we can see the hand of God during certain times of our life, that's true, but what is it that solidifies the truth to Calvinist believers? Is it a feeling,a hope,a religious hypothesis,church indoctrination or something else?
I don't agree with the teachings of J.Calvin nor do I hold on to the teachings of J. Arminius. On one side of the spectrum I accept Calvin's doctrine that relates to the idea that, one cannot lose their salvation. But I don't agree with his reason for that belief. Arminius, on the other hand believed, you could lose your salvation. So in the end analysis I cannot accept either view, although both have (a little truth) so far as I'm concerned. Calvinists and Armenians have fought back and forth for many hundreds of year's no doubt. And both will back up their positions with Scripture. Of course they'll more than likely run the Scripture through their "Pre-indoctrinated" filter first to see if the Scripture aligns with their particular belief system...
It's to bad Christians throughout church history, couldn't have kept the message pure (as Paul admonished) But now there are divisions, even among the most avid church goers...And probably always will be...
I'm not sure how quoting my response to Christ_empowered has anything to do with your post, but I have to assume your asking me to address it.
The divisions you speak of are .......
1. Not new to the Christian faith and where prevalent during Paul's time.
2. Divisions based more on the understanding of believers, which very naturally, and in this case are non essential to the faith. Simply understandings or how God works, and the nature of salvation.
As for Calvinist, the term itself is flawed. There are people who hold to all of the 5 points of Calvin, and people who wrestle with a few things, or just one point. Never the less a better term would be reformist.
It's pointless for anyone to say they don't "believe" in the teachings, or understandings of a particular theologian, since it's not about belief....it's more about understanding. We should save our belief for God and the work of Jesus Christ, but we can talk about our understanding all day long. ;)
Personally I hold to both, but for different reasons. Calvin/reformed view in my understanding of salvation, and Arminianism in my understanding of redemption. I've met self proclaimed Armenians who seem quite "Calvanistic" in their theology, and vice versa.
The original post asked: How does a person know if they are one of the elect? Several people answered that, but you say no one gave a clear answer, yet I did not see where you gave an answer. What would be your clear cut answer? from what you said originally, you pretty much have Calvin down in this regard, but the question was directed to those who hold an understanding of the reformed theology of John Calvin, or who claim to. You mentioned you not hold to Calvin or Jacobus Arminius? So, how do you know you have not seen a clear answer? where do you fall in your theology?
I will answer your question.
.......As Christians we can see the hand of God during certain times of our life, that's true, but what is it that solidifies the truth to Calvinist believers? Is it a feeling,a hope,a religious hypothesis,church indoctrination or something else?
The Bible. The word of God as it relates to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the nature of God in conjunction to our personal relationship with him.
It's so refreshing to be finally talking about Calvin's Reformed theology. Who knows where this will lead. :twopistols:fight:verysad
How does one know. hmmmm.... good question! 
