I remember coming back to college in the Winter of 2000 (see #2) and feeling a tremendous relief both psychologically and theologically. I no longer had to attempt any hermeneutical gymnastics to explain away the simple meaning of Romans 9 or I Corinthians 1. The whole thing made sense: God was sovereign over my will and intellect. My salvation was not a transformation from sickness to health, but from from death to life.
My Greek professor couldn’t believe it. The once antagonistic anti-Reformed student was now speaking the language of grace. I actually remember apologizing profusely to some of my dear Reformed brothers for my pugilism and unkindness toward them and their theological positions. As I look back I believe that their kindness actually won me over. While we had several heated discussions I remember being flummoxed by their gentleness.
The striking element was not that my theological paradigm changed on one issue, it was that it changed everything else around me. My disposition towards my education increased in a positive way. My grades improved and so did my love for Christ. The changes, of course, happened gradually, but the greatest change occurred in my ecclesiastical experience.
Thoughtful Post. A joy to grow in the Lord.