I now know where you are coming from. It is all very clear. I will not try to convince you otherwise, because I cannot. Nobody can, except you. All I am attempting is to give what I believe and ask you to weigh it in light of the scriptures.
I read all of your references. But I did not find one that said we do not have a choice. In fact, I found over and over where God gave us choices. Several scriptures mention God's will. Why would it be in God's will (I do not believe it is) that He wants some people to go to hell? For instance, John 3:16. I'm sure you have heard of this one. It's almost like a buzz word. Anyway, It says that WHOSOEVER believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Why would He say whosoever if He did not mean whosoever? It does not say, only those He chose can go to heaven.
Another thing, He does say, those He has chosen from the foundation of the earth, when does He say He only chose certain people? Everywhere I look He keeps saying anyone, whosoever, and everyone. How does it glorify God for Him to make us love Him? Sure He can influence us, but the Bible NEVER says He can or will force us to love Him. What is the sense in me asking you to be my friend and then making you be so?
I completely agree with you. Everything is about God. However, when He made us, He gave us a choice. He also gave us an open book answer (Deu.30:19). Please read the Bible again. This time look for examples of God giving people choices and notice what they do and why. For example, the rich young ruler (Matt. 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22,26-27). If anyone was "called" he was, but watch what happens in verse 22. He was obviously called and obviously refused. As to Lazarus, I agree his resurrection did glorified God. However, in verse 8, it explains why Jesus did not go immediately to Lazarus. How you know He did not want to save him before he died? Why would He have cried (verse 35) if He had wanted him to die? Why didn't He raise everyone from the dead? That definitely would have shown how all powerful He is. If I understand you correctly, you are saying that God is selfish. Well, if He made us in His image and wants us to be like Him, what light does that put us in?
Why did Jesus Christ have to die on the cross? Why couldn't He have just said, I'll just let'em all go to hell. I mean, in the long run it would not make much difference to Him, He was God before He made us and He will still be God after we die.It was because He loved us that He made a way for us to God. If He had not, we would still be just as far from Him as they were in the Old Testament. Now that He has come, we can get as close to God as we want to, through Jesus. In fact, that is what He wants. He wants it desperately! Before, we were separated from God because of our sin, but now we have free access to Him by His grace. If we confess our sins and believe in our heart and confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved. It's a promise. It is not exclusive, the Bible clearly and plainly states that anyone, whosoever, and everyone can do this. God has given us freely of Himself, we did nothing to deserve it. Nothing. He said while we yet sinners Christ died for us. He did not die for Himself. By us loving Him it glorifies Him. For Him to make us love Him would not glorify Him. He is a jealous God, but He is not a selfish God.You have not overwhelmed me and I am very glad you responded. If you need more scripture just let me know. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
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