Judas was part of that group, so was Judas part of the elect?
Obviously not. Judas was a type of the believer who fulfills the parable of the sower. Believeing or being born again does not necessarily mean one is elect.
The difference I see in the way the 12 were treated has nothing to do with being treated better and had everything to do with being the first to be led by Christ. We are all allowed to be led by Christ in an even better way by having His Spirit dwell within us. That is available to any mature adult.
The latter is a nice sentiment but the indwelling Holy Spirit is only followed by the elect. The others end up grieving Him, not allowing Him to train them in Bible faith, and/or not allowing Him to put the self life to death. Worse is those who say Acts 2:4 has "passed away" or speaking in tongues is demonic.
It seems most do not even want the Acts 2:4 experience with the initial evidence of speaking in new tongues as the Spirit gives them the utterance. They do not even understand the difference between the gift of tongues with interpretation to edify the assembly and the use/purpose of their own personal prayer language.
Water baptism of at the age of understanding by immersion in Jesus name is also resisted.
If one opposes/resists these things no one can say they are not saved. However the Bible gives no assurance of salvation to those who willfully disobey these clear COMMANDS of Christ. Note the response of the believers in Acts 19:1-6. This is the heart attitude of the elect.
Jesus prayed for those that crucified him.
There must have been some elect among the murderers because clearly there could be no general pardon for all those responsible.
So you are saying: We are called upon to Love elect and non-elect unconditionally, but Christ as our greatest example only Loved the elect?
No, please read what I said again. Christ healed, delivered, preached and taught as part of the general call of the gospel to everyone. We are to do the same for all at every opportunity the Holy Spirit gives. Because they receive these blessings, or even get born again does not mean they are elect. We do NOT know who is elect and who is not and have no need to know. There can be a word of knowledge that someone is reprobate and to stop working with them. God told Moses that several times.
God's love for His elect is quite different. He gives them ALL things 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 because they are heirs and joint heirs with Christ Romans 8:17.
Prior to being saved what is the difference between unsaved people and unsaved elect?
If there is no difference then why would anyone love one over the other?
There is no outward difference that man can see. From God's side He preserves them, sends His angels to watch over them, Jesus is continually making intercession for them, He puts it on Christians hearts to intercede for them, many are claimed for salvation on the basis of the promise in Acts 16:31, God is at work in their hearts breaking down thought patterns that resist the gospel, they are assured of hearing and receiving the effectual call of the gospel.
God can put a supernatural gift of love in believers' hearts for certain unsaved elect. Sometimes it is the only thing that allows one to stand them. Jesus often reminds us that he loved us while we were still sinners. However some He will not allow time to be wasted on them. They can just move on out of one's life.
This does not mean they are not elect but it simply means you have done all that was given you to do.
OK, so we know a lot of these negative judgments are brought against nations, but does not mean every individual in that nation. God abhors sin and sinful nations, but can God still Love an individual in that nation or even the one that committed the sin?
