Which of these theological perspectives more closely matches your viewpoint?
Conditional Election -- Before the world began, God chose which individuals would receive salvation based upon his foreknowledge of who would freely believe the Gospel. Faith was not given to the sinner by God; it was the sinner's own free choice [1]. Bible verses that can be used to advance this theory: [2]
"Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." --John 1:12 (NIV)
"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent." --Acts 17:30 (NIV)
"What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith." --Romans 9:30 (NIV)
Unconditional Election -- God's choice of which individuals would receive salvation before the world began was His choice and His choice alone. God chose which sinners He was to save, and then He gave them the gifts of faith and repentance [1]. Bible verses that can be used to advance this theory: [3]
"He went on to say, 'This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has enabled them.'" --John 6:65 (NIV)
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit--fruit that will last--and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you." --John 15:16 (NIV)
"For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption and sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will." --Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV)
Select either Conditional Election or Unconditional Election.
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[1] "Calvinism vs. Arminianism - Comparison Chart." http://graceonlinelibrary.org/reformed-theology/arminianism/calvinism-vs-arminianism-comparison-chart
[2] "73 Bible Verses about Conditional Election." https://www.openbible.info/topics/conditional_election
[3] "Five Reasons to Embrace Unconditional Election," by John Piper. http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/five-reasons-to-embrace-unconditional-election