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I think that Cindy's struggling with the idea of a God Who builds an ark to save some from destruction ... but Who, then, picks and chooses among those who present themselves to be saved, ... allowing some onto the ark, ... and others not.

If you "present yourself to be saved" than you are one of the Elect chosen by God before the foundation of the world.

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. - II Tim 1:8-9

His purpose and grace was established in us before the world began. His Omniscience, Omnipotence, and the act of Creation argue for nothing less.

He tells us that whosoever comes to Him He will "in no wise cast out." I believe that with all my heart. All those who do come are of the Elect and they come because they have been sought out by God and were lovingly drawn by Him (Lk 15:3-6; Jn 6:44). No one who comes to Christ comes by a different way.

Those who do not come to Christ are not of the Elect. They have been left by God to collect the wages they have rightly earned. Don't mistake me, the Elect had also earned the same wages but God in His Grace saved us from what was rightfully our due.