I know that a debate has continued since Calvin and will continue until the Rapture BUT I'm curious how the debate on grace alone and predestination are rationalized with scriptures that mention "seek the Lord" "answering the door" (Rev 3:20). Why answer the door if it's not necessary? It certainly looks like some action is required on our part. Why "seek" Hebrews 11:6. I just cannot ignore the simple logic in the scripture and go through scripture gymnastics to see things differently. When scripture is defined by the context it seems overwhelmingly clear to me. If exercising faith is a "Works" then answering the door and seeking are much more so.
I cut and pasted this from another discussion on Predestination. I believe we have a free will choice, that we are not selected for salvation in the Calvinistic sense.
I believe that each of us are given during our lives bursts of light, revelation of God. All of us will encounter God at some point in our lives. How we respond to this knowledge will determine the course of our lives. If we respond with thankfulness, and turn to Christ, then His good plan is begun in our lives. If we harden our hearts against God, and refuse all of His mercy, then our eyes will be darkened to the truth, and eventually we will perish.
I believe it happens as follows:
God shows us His will and nature, of forgiveness, and asks us to turn from sin to God.
Romans 1:20-22 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools
This turning to love for God, and His commands is what ultimately brings about saving grace.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
1 Ch 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for Jehovah searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: If thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
Isa 1:19-20 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.
Gen 4:6-7 And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? and why is your face sad? If you do well, will you not have honour? and if you do wrong, sin is waiting at the door, desiring to have you, but do not let it be your master.
People who turn from God to sin will eventually perish, if they refuse to return and repent. They become spiritually blind.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
But this salvation is held out to all people, not just a select few. The Elect are those who turn to God, who respond to His invitation of life. They are still selected by God, but based upon the fact they respond to His offer of forgiveness.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
I also discuss predestination here
Is Predestination real? | Everybody Matters Ministry