Does God desire the salvation of all mankind?

I had a friend here who was a Calvinist. We disagreed, but he was so kind when he gave his POV. We were never harsh with each other. I have friends in my every day life who are Calvinists or at least hold to part of TULIP but they are wonderful friends that we fellowship with. There is no need for anger and strife.

So God created an entire people for destruction. Is that what you believe?

Well said.

Yes, because the bible teaches it to me

Are you saying that it is wrong to defend the gospel?

Phil 1:17 - Paul says he is set for the defense of the gospel.

No, the Bible does not teach there is an elect people and a people that were created for destruction. The Bible teaches that the Gospel is to all who will believe. Christ died for all. That is what the Word teaches you.

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Show the verse that says verbatim God creates some people for destruction.

|Here's the verse which says THE EXACT OPPOSITE:
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11)

How dare anyone claim that God creates some for destruction and damnation? If they are damned it is because they have hardened their hearts in spite of God saying turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?

The scriptures, to my understanding, teach that we are all born into this world, by natural birth, dead in our sins because of Adam's sin. until we are quickened to a new spiritual life. Being born again comes hardly noticeable, being compared to a gentle breeze, not knowing where it came from, nor where it goes.

In John the baptist's case, he was born again while still in his mother's womb.

The wicked's eye's stands out with fatness, they have more than the heart could wish (Psalms 73) these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world, they increase in riches. (they, evidently live to be old).

I believe that all very young children who die, are born again in the same manner that adults are, and will go to heaven.

In what direction do you tip my scale?

I am saying that I do not see Paul or Jesus contending for this matter. If this point is part of the gospel, then I truly believe that it would have been stated clearly by both of them, so that there would be no disputing over it now.

But, I see the opposite; they call us to walk as children of the Father with love and tenderness to those that oppose themselves.
If you have a point that the Father says is important for us to understand, then it will be done in peace, and if no one wants to hear let them be ignorant, so that you are known as a child of GOD by the Love you show one to another.
A servant of the LORD must not strive , but be Gentle to All apt to Teach.
I know it can be difficult when you see something so clearly and others can not.

(I am not suggesting that I believe that any on this thread is ignorant.) I see the point on both sides and can see the polarization which is not what we have been called to. Unity and only separation on the grounds of sin and heresy.

It’s true. God does not want the wicked to die nor does He take any pleasure in it. He wants all people to be saved.

Ezekiel 18
23Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?

Ezekiel 33
11Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’

1 Timothy 2
3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Not intending to add to the contention here but hoping to bring clarity as to where others may be coming from. Rom 9:10-23.
I am not trying to side with any extreme view, just trying to be fair.

In Romans 9, God uses the example of the Potter and the clay and says that it is in His sovereign prerogative to make vessels both to honor and dishonor. In the very next chapter He says all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Until the Bible is allowed to speak for God this debate will continue.

Except for the intervention of God, we all were depraved. (Psalms 53: 2-3)

Once we have been born again, we have a spiritual nature, but Paul says that we still struggle with our flesh nature (Rom 8: 25).

Yes, it is true, God created the vessels of wrath for destruction, and makes them fitted.

So, what are your thoughts on the natural man (1 Cor 2:14), can he call upon the Lord?

One must be saved in order to call upon the name of the Lord. If one isnt saved by regeneration first, he or she is spiritually dead.

So that would be a yes on the total depravity. lol I'm on my way out the door but would like to add some ideas into the discussion perhaps later today.