If God doesn't elect on the basis of foreknowledge of good works, being a good neighbor, "inviting Jesus . . . , then on what basis? Bad works?
He does not elect for these reasons alone! He elects when you make the choice to follow him. At that time you become the elect. As a christian you should walk in his light. However, he does know who will make the choice or not. God is everything he could force us BUT that is so much undervalued -He does not "force" you to do so. He loves you that much!
If God elects on some basis that is unknown to us or not understandable to us, then as far as we can know, God's election is a random process.
God has forewarned us that to investigate something that is clearly is for him to know, is sinning. Gods plans are none of our business. I think those whom are not saved are in this position because they want to be. Simple as that. There are some things left unknown to us, and we will NEVER understand. If we do not, we are not supposed to. Our business is our walk with him, our faith, prayer and study...he will lead us where he wants us.
If election is a random process, then considering the world population, it is statistically improbable that anyone in the OPC (or the CRC or any numerically small Christian denomination) is "elect."
What you OPCs (or whomever) going to say when you find yourselves in Hell?
The glory of his grace seems to be short changed by people that insist on the fact that he predestines some to salvation and some to eternal damnation......just plain nonsense. Seems to me that it is just man trying to conceptualize God - and demeaning his wonderful gift to us. But I do not think this is a specific denomination issue, many people hold dear to this understanding.
If this analysis is incorrect, then on what basis does God elect?