No, the Bible does not teach that only the elect will be saved in a way that removes human choice; rather, it presents both God's sovereign election and the open invitation for all.
Scripture affirms that God has chosen believers from eternity past (Ephesians 1:4, Romans 8:29-30), but it also repeatedly states 'whosoever will may come' and that Christ died for every person. Les Feldick teaches that both truths stand together, and that God's foreknowledge does not negate individual choice. The election is not a barrier to salvation for anyone willing to come.
Romans 9:11 — Shows God's sovereign purpose in election before birth, emphasizing that salvation is not based on works but on God's calling.
John 3:16 — Declares God's love for the world, indicating salvation is offered to all who believe.
The Bible presents a dual truth: God's sovereign election and the universal offer of salvation. In Romans 9, Paul discusses Jacob and Esau, noting that 'the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth' (Romans 9:11). This shows that election is based on God's sovereign choice, not human merit. Yet, the same Bible declares, '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' (John 3:16). The invitation is universal—'whosoever will'—and 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 states that Christ died for all, meaning His sacrifice encompasses every person. Scripture also warns that God 'is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance' (2 Peter 3:9). Thus, election and the free offer of salvation coexist in the biblical text.
Les Feldick emphasizes that both election and human responsibility are taught in Scripture, and believers must accept both without trying to reconcile them fully. He states, 'Yes, we have all these verses, whosoever will may come. Christ tasted death for every man... But setting against it, we have all these verses that say you were chosen before the foundations of the world. You cannot come to God unless He calls you. Now we can't reconcile those two facets or those two doctrines because it's beyond us' (Clip 2, Clip 5). He further explains that God's foreknowledge means He knew every individual's response to the gospel, but this does not remove their choice; rather, He knew what they would do (Clip 6). For believers, election is a thrilling truth that they were chosen from eternity past, but this doctrine is not meant to discourage unbelievers, who are told 'whosoever will may come' (Clip 1, Clip 3).
Les Feldick acknowledges that the Bible presents both truths and that believers must accept them by faith without fully reconciling them. He says, 'If this is what God says, you believe it. You don't try to argue with it. You don't try to reconcile it... And so I like that. Yes, chosen from before the foundation of the world. But on the other hand, whosoever will may come' (Clip 5). He also notes that God's foreknowledge means He knew every decision, but that does not mean He forced anyone (Clip 6).
Les Feldick teaches that God has elected believers from eternity past, but this does not exclude others from the offer of salvation. He says, 'God put the finger on every one of us and said, I have a place waiting for you' (Clip 1). He also affirms that Christ died for every person, not just the elect: 'He didn't die just for this small percentage who have become believers. He died for every man, woman, and child that has ever been born into the family of Adam' (Clip 2). Thus, election is a truth for believers, not a boundary for the lost.
Les Feldick explains that God's foreknowledge means He knew in advance what every person would do with the gospel, but this does not negate their free will. He says, 'God knew what they were going to do with their choice. And that makes all the difference in the world on this whole idea of election and so forth' (Clip 6). So, election is framed within God's foreknowledge, not overriding human choice.
God's Sovereign Promise
Les emphasizes God's sovereignty in the birth of Isaac, showing that God's promises are set from eternity past, laying groundwork for election.
Election from Eternity Past
Les teaches that God predetermined believers from the triune counsel before creation, but he also acknowledges the 'whosoever will' side.
Two Irreconcilable Truths
Les states that both 'whosoever will' and 'chosen before the foundation' are true, and we cannot reconcile them because it's beyond us.
Election Means Chosen
Les explains that election means God's choice, and no one comes to God of their own prerogative, yet he balances this with 'whosoever will.'
Romans 8:31-39 Explained — Why Nothing Can Separate You From God
And don't let anyone ever tell you, well how can you be so puffed up? How can you be so conceited as to tell me that you know you'll go to heaven when you die when no one can know? Now listen, when someone talks like that, they themselves are totally unaware of true saving faith.
Reconciling Election and Free Will
Les advises believers to accept both election and 'whosoever will' without trying to reconcile them, trusting God to settle the controversy.
Foreknowledge and Choice
Les clarifies that God's foreknowledge means He knew what each person would do, but He did not take away their choice.
Security of the Elect
Les teaches that once God elects and saves, no one can separate, emphasizing the security of those who are chosen.
Romans 9:11: For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
Shows that God's election is not based on works but on His sovereign calling.
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.
Demonstrates the universal offer of salvation to all who believe.
2 Corinthians 5:15: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Confirms that Christ's death was for all, not just for the elect.
No, the Bible presents that God has chosen believers from eternity past, but it also says 'whosoever will may come' and that Christ died for all. Les Feldick teaches that both truths are true and must be held together.
Les Feldick teaches that God's election does not force anyone; rather, His foreknowledge means He knew what each person would choose. He says, 'He knew what they were going to do with their choice.'
Les Feldick teaches that the invitation is open: 'whosoever will may come.' If you believe the gospel and trust Christ, you are among the elect, for God called you.
Watch the Teaching: Does God Choose Who Gets Saved? Romans 9 & Election Explained