John Calvin's "Institutes" (Bk. 3.21, p. 186, #2): "Predestination"

Messieur Jean deals with the issue of "foreknowledge" as the purported predicate of "foreordaining," the well-known invention of Greeks, Romanists (espeically Jesuits) and all Arminians across the Protestant world. Calvin knocks the wheels off that Arminian tricycle with rhetorical and Biblical ease. Calvin notes the coordination of "foreknowledge" and the "determinate counsel" of God in Acts 2.23 and elsewhere. Calvin handily moves through Romans 9 with significant clarity and ease. We know only of Confessional NAPARC churches that follow the Reformed faith, the God of immutable sovereignty. This is not hard for an average, thoughtful laymen to digest. But, he will meet with proud obduracy from many, wishing to crow about their merits rather than God's salvific mercies. Or, they'll meet with shoulder-shrugging from so-called Christians who are cold to God's Word. Understanding of this produces humility, strength, and combat readiness. Teach it and the elect will hear it; teach it and the enemies will run for the woods.