Some have espoused that the Scriptures teach that God has already chosen who will and will not be “saved”.  There are numerous passages in the Scriptures that would seem to indicate this is the case (Proverbs 16:4, Romans 9:15-16, Romans 11:5-7, 1 Peter 1:2), one of the more famous being the following:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

– Romans 8:28- 30

However, if one “rightly divides the word” as we are instructed to do in 2 Timothy 2:15, the Scriptures clearly indicate that while there is “predestination” and “election” at work in God’s plan of salvation, there is also free will.

God certainly planned and elected who would be saved in the sense that the Scriptures describe Christ as “the lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelations 13:8). God knew from the beginning what would constitute salvation and who would obtain it. As with Adam in the garden of Eden and throughout the scriptures, God gives man free will to choose his own fate. The following verses illustrate that, in actuality, God has “pre-ordained” salvation to be available exclusively through Jesus Christ and has “elected” to save all those who have freely chosen to receive what Christ did on the cross and in his resurrection.

Romans 10:8-13

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

John 1:12-13

12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Revelation 22:17

17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

John 6:35-37

35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 36But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. 37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.