The Gospel of Choice

The gospel as found in the Bible is based on the good news that Jesus died for sinners so that they not have to experience eternal destruction. The need became apparent with the fall of humanity. Through the disobedience of man came the need for redemption of man. There are those who believe that God predestined those who are going to be saved to salvation, without the consent of man. They will quote the same texts that John Calvin quoted to strengthen their position. They will site Romans chapter 8:28-30 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. As we read the text we can either conclude that God gave us the choice or he made it for us. It appears as though he did decide ahead of time that we should conform to the image of His Son. And further it appears as though only those He predestined, actually receive any justification. When we move on to the next text found in Ephesians, we find similar evidence that includes an expression of the will of God. Eph 1:5-12 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

One might be ready to accept that idea that God willed that some fallen humans might be saved.

God being a God of love chose to make human beings with the freedom of choice. Freedom of choice allows for free will love given by man to God. If God would have wanted beings to love Him irregardless of choice, He could have made automatons. But, God being a God of love wanted to associate with beings that choose to love Him and are not forced. God is not a God of force.

Deut 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
30:20 That thou may love the LORD your God, [and] that thou may obey his voice, and that you may cleave unto him: for he is your life, and the length of your days: that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore unto your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Josh 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve the LORD.
24:15 And if it seem evil to you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
24:16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;

Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.