Visitor: It is interesting that faith is not mentioned in the five points of Calvinism. Faith is actually downplayed and not considered necessary to salvation in Calvinism, because it is instead based on unconditional election and irresistible grace! If regeneration precedes faith then the formula would be regeneration, then faith, then justification! Illogical!
Response: this statement of yours is simply disinformation. Reformed theology is much broader than simply the five points of Calvinism. Among other things, of equal importance, the Five Solas also find their source in Reformed theology (Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Sola Scriptura and Soli Deo Gloria). Those of us who are Reformed in theology affirm that when we declare the gospel that we must call all men to faith and repentance in the message. It is a summons to repent and believe:
"Truly these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent." -Acts 17:30
"And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ..." - 1 John 3:23
I would encourage you to factually represent your theological opponents. Without the Spirit opening our heart and uniting us to Christ through faith no man is justified.
Furthermore... your critique against regeneration appears to be saying that a person can believe the gospel apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that unless the Spirit opens your eyes, ears and heart to the gospel no one will believe (see Deut 29:4, 30:6, John 6:63, 65)
You said, "illogical" Our gospel is not based on human logic, but logic which aligns with God's. Is it really illogical for a farmer who plants a seed in the ground to also need water/germination for the seed to grow. Likewise, simply casting the seed of the gospel into a man's heart is not enough on its own. The blessing of the Spirit from heaven is also needed to germinate the seed. "he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you NOT ONLY in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." (1 Thess 1:4, 5) We plant and water but God causes the growth. What is impossible with man (faith and repentance) is possible with God.