Agreed. No argument here. The question we are actually debating is "What is God's Will?" To save what He can, or to let mankind make that decision? I believe that God has multiple desires, and they have priority. The first desire is that all men be saved, but the second (and greater) is that man make that decision himself. This is why we have verses like John 3:16--That whosoever believes.. and that He loves the whole world--not just some.
He loves all of mankind. He wants ALL of us to choose Him. But He wants that choice to be made by us. Otherwise, it's not a choice, and it's not love.
See, right there that makes no sense, in terms of who a sovereign Creator of all existence is. Who is the greater, stronger, more involved person -- the architect who buys the land and draws up the plans to build a Shakey's Pizza and then puts on his work clothes and pours the cement and cuts the lumber and actually builds the store, or the guy who lives next door who read about the shop being built and who gets hungry around noon every day?
That comparison makes not sense to me. It's like saying which is better--apples or division?
Okay. IMO here is the crux of the misunderstanding ...
You're right. Belief is not a work as many describe "works." John 6:28-29 clearly explains that God does require some effort on our part.
And thus that logic results in universalism whereby God actually loves all men ...
Correct.
...and Christ has paid for all men's sins...
Correct.
... and thus, ALL MEN ARE FORGIVEN.
Incorrect. All men ask who accept the sacrifice of the Christ are forgiven.
And yet some men still are condemned in their sins.
Due to their own decision not to accept the sacrifice
So what does that say about the efficacy of the blood of Christ and the ability to accomplish God's desires by the Holy Spirit?
Not a thing. Different discussion altogether.
Love is grabbing hold of someone and not letting go. That is Christian love.
No--that's selfishness. Love is allowing the other to make up their own mind about the relationship.
That is Hallmark; not Scripture. Where does faith come from?
And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart." -- Jeremiah 24:6-7 "For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up.
Does God give all men eyes to see and ears to hear the truth and love the truth? Does God give all men "a heart to know Him?"
"Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up." -- Matthew 15:13
Are all men "planted by God?"