Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Rom 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
1Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Eph 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
From this small handful of scriptures of hundreds I think it is clear that God wants us to struggle, to try, to exercise faith and put in our hearts the goal, the goal of age abiding life. The age abiding life granted to those in the First Resurrection. I do not think that Paul uses military metaphors and running the race, obtaining the prize metaphors for no reason. I think we should make it our goal in life (and what a worthy goal it is) to be in the First Resurrection. Even Jesus set His eyes on a goal.
Heb 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
I understand the peace that comes from the full understanding of no free will. But what sense do these scriptures make if we then, just say, God has already chosen and we will have to see? Even though that IS A FACT, that God has already chosen, it does not eliminate these admonitions! ADMONITIONS ARE VERY IMPORTANT AS THEY ARE COMMANDS! The New Testament is full of admonitions. SO what do we do with those? Do we not take them seriously because "whatever will be, will be?"
I am only speaking frankly cause it is hard to express myself. I think BOTH doctrines must always be kept in mind. The doctrine that God causes everything and there is no free will, and the doctrine that we must above all things, MAKE OUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE!
2Pe 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,
2Pe 1:6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
2Pe 1:7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
2Pe 1:8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2Pe 1:9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
2Pe 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
Understanding no free will demolishes the doctrine of eternal torment and gives us peace, but we also, in our day to day, must keep in mind the admonitions of scripture and seek the high calling. I think that is a prerequisite to obtaining it!
It is the sense I get from Ray that in no way are we to sit back in our knowledge but must OBEY the gospel. If we are obeying, that is a good proof that God has indeed elected us! God has chosen us if we obey!