... I am not a bible scholar, so you could probably whip my tail when it comes to the Word. But I believe in my heart that he made and loves us all, we just have to choose Him. That choice is what makes us truly belong to Him.... we can ask Him what he meant when we see Him again...
Don't concede that! "Bible scholar" is often a euphemism for someone who has constructed their own elaborate personal interpretation of scripture, one which does not necessarily find itself grounded in, well, scripture.
Please note that the dry bones in Ezekiel didn't have a choice. They were dead.
It was God alone that made them alive.
Yes, WE HAVE A CHOICE. When we accept Christ, we willingly do so and with joy.
But, it ultimately is up to God to lead us to that point because as fallen sinners, we are dead in sin and hate God.
It is God who "began" the good work in us and will finish it (Phil. 1:6).
Praise God.
I know many disagree with me on this, particularly since it means He could not have died for everybody. Heck, I used to as well. But, I believe it to be the truth, and ultimately more gracious than letting everyone choose death in their own free will, since that is what every since one of us would have chosen if left up to us alone.
Blessings on this beautiful day of the Lord.