As for #9… it’s a Biblical quote.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28

I would argue that the whole point of this text, as Paul is talking about suffering and tribulation, is that even those things ARE for our good.

Of course the plan of God is ultimately for His glory (see #1 in my list), but we can rest in the beautiful providence of God as He works all things for the good of His people… for His glory. Not health and wealth. Something much better: painful, lesson-learning sanctification.

I have one suggestion though… Number 9… I have to disagree… God works everything for HIS glory, not necessarily my (or your) good. Several Christians have been persecuted for the gospel’s sake. While not “good” for them (besides falling into the “blessed are those who are persecuted because of me” category) God will always use it (as it is predestined) to further His glory, whether we see the benefits or not.

I personnally like #10… I think many Christians are guilty of the “If I just sin less…” mentality. I’m not sure what part of “in bondage to sin” or “dead in sin” they don’t understand. I echo your sentiment, “Oh, how sinful I am.”

Praise God that he continues to use imperfect people in His perfect plan.

A sad fact, though, is a lot of people are allergic to Calvinism because some Calvinists leave a bitter after taste when they witness.There’s a stereotype that reformed believers are arrogant and exclusive.

I pray that we will be able to witness to them with love, that they may also see the beauty of the Truth!

Romans 8 should be the first place we look when wondering if we can lose our salvation, not because it says what I want it to say, but because it’s actually the topic being discussed. Paul is spitting venom at the idea that we can fall from grace, the list of things that can’t separate us is unbelievable. You couldn’t make something up that wasn’t covered. So what do these other verses mean in light of that clear declaration.

Hebrews 10:26. Someone receives the knowledge of the gospel and in some way believes it. We’re cool so far, as the parable of the sower demonstrates, people can understand it without a saving faith, right?

The person goes on sinning, unrepentant and demonstrates that they aren’t saved. 1 John makes it clear that people can claim Christ but not be in Him, and the lack of fruitswill bear them witness.

Now, there does seem to be a doctrine to be found there, although I’d need more scriptural support to claim it as clearly Biblical. He goes on to say that the person who does that, claims Christ as savior and pretends to be a Christian, but doesn’t change, can’t be saved after that. Harsh yes, but doesn’t discredit clearer scriptures.

As far as Matthew 12:31… I would go into detail but let’s just do this:

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.” -Jude 1:24

God is able to keep us from stumbling. Since He also promises that no one can pluck us out of His hands, we’re pretty much closed in on all sides.

So how does this apply to Matt 12:31? If there is an unpardonable sin, which there is, God can keep His people from committing it, and He will keep us from doing it, and He will keep His promise to us of eternal life.