Re:

I think you have a misunderstanding of Calvinists. In my debates with Calvinists, Arminianists, and Pelagianists there are key differences.

Contrary to your former statement Calvinist believes solely on God and his work in there lives. As far as giving up I do not know what you mean by that. Do they not evangelize? Do they not seek to do that which was set forth in the New Covenant.

Same goes For Arminianists. Do they not do the same things.

Pelagianists of course are more heretical in there doctrine as they do not believe in the original sin of man.

I think the issue here is not Do we strive to do that which is good. But do we believe what scripture says in regards to our ability to execute this outside of God.

Isaiah 6:

6We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.

Polluted Garment is better translated as soiled menstrual cloths

We do not perform good work, but rather God performs these works through us as his vessel. I guess you can call this surrendering; surrendering to God that is.

No one can do the will of the father without first calling on the name of Christ.

As referenced in a prior post

Romans 3:

What then? Are we Jews any better off2 No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”


Jews and Greeks are in the same position.
None of them had done good, all are under sin, and none seek God.

This is the state of Man until God calls him.

This call is irresistible.

John 6:

44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.

The word draws is translated as strongs #1670 helkuo hel-koo'-o or helko hel'-ko; probably akin to 138; to drag (literally or figuratively):--draw. It is also translated to forcibly compel

Romans 9:
15For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

Not on Human Will or Exertion hmmmmmmmm.

John 17

9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.