It's interesting to me that many Arminians, when discussing Calvinists in general, automatically assume that we're hyper-Calvinists, as if there is no distinction. Frequently, when I disclose to a "free-will" friend that I believe God is sovereign in the salvation of men, he or she will respond with a statement such as, "So, you don't believe in the need for evangelism and missions." Then I have to explain that I am not a hyper-Calvinist; in fact, I don't even know a hyper-Calvinist. From where does this pervasive thinking originate? Are there people "peddling" this misunderstanding in certain circles as an argument against Reformed theology? I try to politely tell them that I do indeed believe the Great Commission to take the gospel to all the world. And I also believe Romans 10:14 which says, "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?" No one comes to salvation without first having heard the gospel. We Calvinists understand it is our privilege to share the message of the cross, but it is God that works in the hearts of men according to His perfect will.
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