This same topic is being discussed in my Sunday School class, and came up last night also. Your comment here is almost verbatim what a Calvinist believer said, IMO, it is rather a misrepresentation of those that don't believe Calvin.
How would you read Rom. 8:29 and Titus 2:11.
My Sunday School Teacher posted this list on the board. I'd be interested in your thoughts:
The Order of Salvation
1. calling
2. REgeneration
3. Faith, repentance
4. Justification
5. Adoption
6. Sanctification
7. Persverance
8. Glorification
Becky
When God looks at His family, He sees Christ within them; a gift from God to His children.
Therefore, we think the thoughts of God after Him.
As you can read in this link, the Calvinist order of salvation differs from the Arminian order (which is the same as the RCC's order BTW), most especially by presenting election as first on the list. God determines who will receive His gift of faith, whose eyes He will open, whose heart will be given understanding, whose mind will be renewed.
That's why it's all unmerited mercy, and not debt. That's why regeneration precedes faith.
"For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth" -- Romans 9:11
So the Calvinist order would be...
1) election, 2) predestination, 3) gospel call 4) inward call 5) regeneration, 6) conversion (faith & repentance), 7) justification, 8) sanctification, and 9) glorification.
Regarding "foreknow" here's an excellent understanding by Pastor John Samson...
And here's lots more essays on the subject...
I especially like this one by A.A. Hodge...
No one needs to possess this understanding in order to be saved. But it feels very much like another gift from God to His family, reminding them that they were loved by God before they loved Him.
"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever." -- Romans 16:27