Thanks for your input. I appreciate it. If you or anyone else has any more input on the traditional Christian view of salvation, I'd be happy to hear it. Until then, I'll consider the discussion closed. Thanks to all.
I firmly believe that God does NOT love everyone; rather, just the elect. "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated" Romans 9:13
Firstly, we need to understand the nature of God (as best our finite minds are able). God is sovereign and absolute. He created us, and our main purpose in life is to glorify God and enjoy Him. We glorify Him by obeying Him. This, in our natural nature (being born sinful), is so opposite and impossible to us, and something we can't fathom doing. We love sin and our own wicked ways. This, for the Christian, is the "old man".
When we are converted and born again (the "new man"), the rest of our lives we spend warring against the old man. It is a constant battle, yet a battle we win in death. Praise be to God for His goodness to us in giving us life eternal when we do nothing in and of ourselves to warrant salvation. It is all by the goodness of God and His own good choosing.
What have you, or I, or anyone else ever done to deserve salvation? Nothing. None of us have any good in us whatsoever.
Therefore the natural conclusion to God's nature and sovereignty when we say that he doesn't love everyone is to send those to hell who never repent. Hell is a place that we all deserve, yet some avoid through God's good will.
I'll just briefly quote a few relevant points from the doctrinal standards to which my church (and consequently me) hold to:
III. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death.
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VII. The rest of mankind God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of His own will, whereby He extends or withholds mercy, as He pleases, for the glory of His sovereign power over His creatures, to pass by; and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin, to the praise of His glorious justice.
VIII. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care, that men, attending the will of God revealed in His Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election. So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God; and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the Gospel.
Edit: Just to clarify my position. I firmly believe that no-one chooses God (how can we possibly choose God when we are so predispositioned to sin?), but rather, God chooses us.