On the day that you came to Christ could you have said no and walked away?
Only a fool would do so, and I know some fools. Even Christ encountered at least one person who learned the Truth and then turned away because he had great wealth.
As for your quotation of the Gospel of John. I think Jesus was directing that remark to his disciples, whom in my opinion were obviously 'chosen' to fulfill specific roles. One could obviously say the same about Paul, as well. I have no doubt that God did on occasion actually predestined certain individuals in order to fulfill His plan for mankind. I think it is a real stretch to claim that God has predetermined all who will or will go to Heaven or Hell. Many of the references used by Calvinisats to backup thier position are instances in which Jesus is addressing His disciples or when statements are being addressed to those who are already believers. Once one becomes a believer, I certainly believe God has a plan for their lives. This is quite different from claiming that God predetermined the ultimate fate of every person in advance.
I believe in Irrestible Grace..and I would say that rich young ruler had an intellectual understanding of who Christ is (like much of the professing church) .....but ....well nuf said on that . Saying no was never an option for me..Who can stand in the presence of a Holy God and walk away?
Peace to you!
Maybe I'm wrong--I don't claim to know the mind of the Lord with respect to all details of His plan--but I think He has already decided what He is going to do to you.
Of course it's a stretch for you to believe in Predestination (despite the fact that it is a Biblical word with a Biblical definition): you don't even think that God knows tomorrow.
Paul speaking to the Thessalonian elected saints:
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.Kinda blows the snot outta your belief that God is a respector of persons [Apostles only]. But, then there's also a quote for that as well.