Sadly, “many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). That is, many hear the Gospel’s call or invitation, but relatively few follow Jesus.36 Do they disbelieve because they are like puppets? Does God pick one puppet and pull its strings so that it believes and goes to heaven? Then, also on a whim, does He choose another puppet to disbelieve and go to hell? The Bible paints no such picture. God is neither arbitrary nor uncaring.37 Certainly the Lord takes the lead in all matters of choice. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). Yet God, in his sovereignty, also chooses to let people decide for themselves.38 When God chooses people, He does so in a way that respects the great gift He gives them, namely their freedom to choose. God chooses to be fair and impartial in holding people accountable for their decisions and deeds.39
…knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free… there is no partiality with him (Ephesians 6:8-9).
For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality (Colossians 3:25).
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35).
36. Matthew 7:13-23; Luke 13:24; Romans 10:16
37. See Study Note: Fatalism and Determinism
38. Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15,22; 2 Samuel 24:12; Psalm 119: 30,173; Luke 10:42; John 5:35; James 4:4
39. Ezekiel 33:12-20; Matthew 25:14-46; Luke 12:47-48; Acts 13:46; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 2:23; 20:12