That's what the word of God tells us. Ultimately, this apparent paradox is a mystery to men, but that doesn't mean it's not true or that God doesn't want us to understand this reality as much as possible.
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." -- 1 Peter 2:7-8
"For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him." -- 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10"Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
Or read Arthur Pink's tremendous book, "The Sovereignty of God."
You're missing a profoundly comforting truth God provides us with in His holy word -- that He has loved His family from before the foundation of the world and that they belong to Him not because they loved Him, but because He loved them first.
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." -- John 6:37-40"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Hi, GC. Meant to ping you to Pink, too.
Uh, no. That's the false conclusion drawn by Cauvin.
Traditions of Men