Salvation of Some Damnation of Many

There are two common justifications for the salvation of some and the damnation of many. One suggests God doesn't want to save all his children. God could but chooses not to. God has favorites and saves only those who please him. The second suggests that God wants to save all his children but reluctantly concluded God can't save all his children. God can't but wishes he could. God respects our freedom to reject his grace and doom ourselves to damnation.

 

Both have problems. The first defends the power of God while diminishing God's affection. The second affirms God's love but reduces its power and reach.  Both assume someone will be damned. The first concludes this is God's will, that his judgment is beyond reproach even if it includes the eternal torment of his children.  The second implies God's will is irrelevant, that we are the ones who control our destiny and determine God's attitude toward us. Neither takes seriously the possibility that God loves and saves every person.