FREE WILL/ PREDESTINATION

This is a difficult subject to understand. It was the topic of discussion at a small group I visited recently. We talked about Romans 9:10-13, where it says that before Jacob and Esau were born, God loved Jacob and hated Esau. It was pointed out that Esau received God's justice, while Jacob received God's grace. In other words, God's condemnation is fair, since Esau sinned (which we all do), but God's grace is not fair. We like grace anyway! Another interesting point that was made is that in Romans 3:10-18 it says "there is none who seeks God" (NKJV). If we were left to our own devices, we would not choose God. He calls us, and we choose to accept or reject Him. Does He call everyone? Certainly He reveals something of Himself to everyone. Romans 1:19-21 says, "...what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (NKJV). God reveals Himself to everyone through creation. I believe this is how He begins to call each person. The real concern here, I think, is this: Does God give everyone a chance to be saved? I think so. It is His desire for all to be saved. We see that clearly in Second Peter 3:9, which says that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. He does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). Jesus said, "...other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:16 NKJV). This is His heart.