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I translate your response as 1) an unwillingness to apply the Solominic principle that a soft answer breaks the bone (one of my favorite passages, BTW), and 2), an unwillingness or an inability to recognize which thread you’re on. This thread was started by a Calvinist to celebrate God’s undeserved grace toward us, as understood by Calvinists, who relish as the song of our life that God has shown mercy toward us, the worst and most stubborn of sinners. You, sir (or ma’am), are the interloper, not I.

So, if you think it’s about pride, that only reflects 1) your misunderstanding of our belief, and 2), your lack of direct knowledge concerning our hearts and lives. You judge us falsely, and you angrily ask us to accept this misjudgment in silence, as if it were true. It is not true, and the mercy of God is nothing to be silent about. We who accept the straightforward teaching of Scripture concerning election are no more prideful about it than the blind man Jesus healed in the temple was “proud” Jesus chose him for healing. Do you agree he wasn’t proud? According to you, he should have been, because he is us, undeserving, helpless, and in despair. Jesus gave us our sight, and we love him for it, and you fault us for that. But how is that pride? You are so wrong about us it boggles the mind.

As for the thief on the cross, you have already admitted that if God gives a man faith, it is indeed the man’s faith. A gift given becomes the property of the one to whom it is given. But a gift is still a gift, and faith is a gift, and the ultimate credit goes to the giver, not the receiver.

Still, I am troubled by your statement that Jesus said “your faith has saved you” to the thief on the cross. I am embarrassed because I assumed you were quoting accurately, and I didn’t check it out like I should have. Having gone back to the passage, I cannot find that quote anywhere in the story of the thief on the cross. If you would be kind enough to share with me just where that quote may be found in connection with the thief on the cross, I’d be most grateful.

And so long as we’re on faith, try this:

Luke 22:32 “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

To whom does Jesus pray for Peter’s faith? None but God. Why does Jesus pray to God, why do any of us pray to God? Because God and only God has the power to answer such a prayer. Jesus is here declaring that God can and will prevent Peter’s faith from failing. It is truly Peter’s faith, because God gave it to him. But it is not sustained by the natural powers of Peter, but by the mercy of God in keeping Peter faithful. Then, as Paul says, all pride, all boasting is excluded.

So that’s all I’m asking, Gargantua, is don’t tell me what only God and I know about what’s in my heart, and why I love so much these wonderful teachings of Scripture. If you are convinced I am wrong, then please do rebuke me, but only according to the pattern of a Christian:

2 Thessalonians 3:15 “Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”

And …

2 Timothy 2:24-25: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”

Nevertheless, if you still feel inclined to punish me for having dared to speak as a Calvinist on a Calvinist thread, if you must put me in my place by unleashing the treasuries of your superior knowledge upon me, get on with it. I am sure it will make me a better person.