Common Questions On Calvinism ... part one

I recently received a series of questions from a good friend dealing with some issues/objections she had with Calvinism/Reformed Theology.  I truly appreciated the opportunity to share what I explicitly believe in the realm of the Doctrines of Grace with her, and humbled she came to me to know how a Calvinist deals with each of these questions.

Because these questions are quite common inquires into Reformed Theology, I figured it would be profitable to the body of Christ for me to post my answers here as well.  Perhaps I will continue on beyond her questions in writing on/replying to other objections common to Calvinism.  Again, I hope this is useful to all who read this.

Question #1:
How does the Calvinist approach the Great Commission? Wouldn't the same "All" in 'All Power' be the same as in "all nations"?

1.a. The Calvinist (or rather "Reformed") approach to the Great Commission is such:  

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 

:-)  Our mandate as Christians are to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ - announce his death which atones for sins  and his burial and resurrection (and subsequent ascension)... and that this is offered to all who turn from their sin (repent) and trust in (believe/ "to faith") Christ's work alone to save them.

b.  The "all" in "all nations" yes could be the same "all" as "all authority."  The Greek in both cases is "pas".  I would note, however, there are several uses of the term "all" in the Bible, and those who would proclaim "All means all, and that's all [that] all means" are mistaken.  Certainly "pas" can mean every single individual... but it can also mean "collectively - some of all types."

Please permit me to quote at length from our mutual great BAPTIST (hehe) friend, Charles H. Spurgeon, known as the Prince of Preachers:

... 'The whole world is gone after him.' Did all the world go after Christ? 'Then went all Judea, and were baptized of him in Jordan.' Was all Judea, or all Jerusalem baptized in Jordan? 'Ye are of God, little children', and 'the whole world lieth in the wicked one.' Does 'the whole world' there mean everybody? If so, how was it, then, that there were some who were 'of God?' The words 'world' and 'all' are used in some seven or eight senses in Scripture; and it is very rarely that 'all' means all persons, taken individually. The words are generally used to signify that Christ has redeemed some of all sorts—some Jews, some Gentiles, some rich, some poor, and has not restricted his redemption to either Jew or Gentile.  --Charles H. Spurgeon, Particular Redemption, A Sermon, 28 Feb 1858).

I would not assert (nor would dear Mr. Spurgeon) that pas never means every single individual.  Only that the context should allow us to interpret the verse.  Certainly, we are to make disciples of all nations.  Heaven will have, as Rev 5:9-10 says, people out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation!  Every nation will be "represented" (as it were) in Heaven.  We are not to discriminate who we share the gospel with based on color of skin or region they live or what their last name is.

By the way... "pas" ... "all" in the Great Commission is the very word used that is translated "men from every" or "people from every" in Rev 5:9.

... more to come...