Election is usually about function, not about eternal life. It ties in with our spirits: eg a good man is chosen for an evil task, an evil woman for an evil task. Thus, the 12 were chosen as disciples to function, including betrayal. 11 were predisposed towards God, while 1 was not; all were found a place in God’s design. That they did not choose Jesus simply meant, in its setting, that Jesus had bucked the tradition of rabbis being chosen rather than choosing. The Gospels’ “you did not choose me” texts only apply to the 12 chosen to be apostles before the cross.
In the OT we can read of God hardening disobedient people in their own attitude, preventing premature or meaningless repentance. Through their due deserts they either were offered greater blessing – lesson learnt – or they perished but the greater blessing was passed onto others who would learn the lesson. The basic idea of divine punishment in this life is education for better things.
Thus 1 Sam.2:25 is about the evil sons of Eli. Eli’s warning was blocked by Yahweh who saw they were too evil to genuinely repent. Yahweh would be glorified, to benefit his people, by showing himself willing & able to judge their sin. Needless to say some can be removed by death for others’ sakes, yet find entrance into God’s presence. I think Ananias & his wife Sapphira (Ac.5) show Christians prematurely removed from service.
I don’t think Ps.105:33 is the other text you meant to cite.
In short, no, God does not force those who wish to follow him to not do so.
|