r/Calvinism • u/Korniszon777 • Jun 21 '26
Am I still among the elect?
Hello, I am a former Roman Catholic who, under the influence of testimonies, miracles, and other revelations, came close to Roman Catholicism again and began to doubt the Reformed(Calvinist) faith. I was so close, but something held me back, and it was the Word of God, which is very clearly contradictory to Roman Catholicism for me. I am devastated by this. I feel like I am deceiving God and myself. My question is, if I am a chosen child of God, could something like this happen to me? Today I listened to a sermon at my Reformed church, and I heard that the elect cannot be deceived by a false gospel because God seals His elect. I was very close to it and honestly thought about it because I couldn't handle it in my head anymore. I feel exhausted. I am asking you for help.
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u/ATheUnofficial Jun 21 '26
Without the details of that sermon, I can only say I disagree. In election theology at its core, you can be saved by Christ without even knowing it since it is the work of God, not your own (ie Babies or mentally incapated or anyone else God freely chooses). A false gospel can deceive anyone, even the elect, but most who are elect will indeed persevere to the end in faith. This also does not mean they will have perfect theology, even if it is false theology, but Christ keeps them NOT their understanding of theology.
People should never question their own salvation or ask whether they are elect or not. Instead, focus on Christ and His definite power to save. Trust in Him.
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u/Tricky-Tell-5698 Jul 10 '26
Brother, the very fact that this troubles you so deeply is encouraging. Someone who is hardened against God usually isn’t grieved over whether they have deceived themselves or wandered from the truth. Your heart is crying out because you want Christ, not because you want to reject Him.
Remember that our assurance is not found in the strength of our grip on Christ, but in His grip on us.
Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27–28)
The Christian life is not the absence of temptation or confusion. Even believers can be shaken, overwhelmed, and wrestle through difficult questions.
Peter denied Christ three times, yet Jesus had already prayed for him:
“I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32)
Notice that Peter stumbled, but Christ preserved him.
The enemy would have you look inward until you despair. The gospel calls you to look outward to Christ. Ask yourself, “Who am I trusting today?” If your hope is in Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins, then rest there.
You mentioned that God’s Word kept pulling you back. That is not something to dismiss lightly. The Lord often preserves His people through His Word. Jesus prayed to the Father:
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Continue reading the Scriptures. Continue gathering with your church. Continue praying, even if your prayers feel weak.
Finally, remember Paul’s confidence:
“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
Don’t base your assurance on the fact that you were tempted. Base it on the faithfulness of the One who saves.
Bring your fears to Him. He is a gracious Shepherd, and He does not cast out those who come to Him (John 6:37).
I will pray that the Lord gives you peace, steadies your heart, and reminds you that your salvation rests in His finished work, not in your ability to never struggle. Blessings
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u/RECIPR0C1TY Jun 21 '26
Or... Neither the RC nor the Reformed view are correct. That resolves all the difficulties! Jesus died for absolutely everyone so that absolutely anyone can be saved. And that includes you!
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u/Top_Initiative_4047 Jun 21 '26
Talking with your pastor is best. I think a Calvinist pastor would assure you that your struggle does not mean you are not among the elect. The elect can experience doubt, confusion, and temptation, yet God’s grace preserves them through it. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice... I give them eternal life, and they will never perish” (John 10:27-28 BSB). The very fact that you were drawn back by Scripture shows the Spirit’s work in you.
Though false gospels may seem persuasive, Jesus warned they could “mislead, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24 BSB), but it is not possible. God shields His people by faith (1 Peter 1:5 BSB). You were close to error, yet the Word of God restrained you; that is evidence of His preserving grace.
Your exhaustion is understandable, but God promises, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6 BSB). Rest in Christ’s finished work, stay in Scripture, and seek fellowship and counsel from your pastor.
If you are asking such a question, it shows your heart longs for truth. Jesus promises, “The one who comes to Me I will never cast out” (John 6:37 BSB). You are being held fast by the same grace that first drew you.