Over and above the whole “before they were born…” stuff…

Who hears the son? Everyone? Those who the Father gives to the son? Those who choose to?

No, it says we were not born by the will of flesh or man, but of God, nothing about ‘based upon’ appears in the passage. God regenerates those who believe, but our faith or decision is not what brings the new birth about, that is an act of God, as I explained in my 3rd post.

“What does that mean? What is the condition then?”

His criteria, generally stated, is that those who hear the Son shall receive life through faith in Him.

I’d retype those verses for you to consider but you won’t actually address them. Red Herring? It says we’re not born again based on a decision we make… it’s the exact opposite of what you’re saying.

“Of course it doesn’t depend on man’s works or even will, our wills don’t elect us for us, otherwise God would have to elect certain people. This concept doesn’t conflict with Him electing according to His own criteria.”

What does that mean? What is the condition then? What is His criteria? Faith that doesn’t come from our wills? Please, don’t just give some off the cuff answer. I don’t know what you’re trying to say at this point.

“Why is he stressing that they weren’t born, or that they hadn’t done anything?”

Because…they hadn’t.

“Does he have to actually use the word ‘unconditional’ to convince you?”

Only imply it, which he does not.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you”

Already addressed.

“who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Red-herring, already addressed.

“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” -Romans 9:16

Of course it doesn’t depend on man’s works or even will, our wills don’t elect us for us, otherwise God would have to elect certain people. This concept doesn’t conflict with Him electing according to His own criteria.

“It seems to me like you’ve made up your mind and it doesn’t matter what scripture says.”

I simply haven’t resorted to arbitrarily inserting my own wishful thinking into it. But if you think it does teach unconditional election somewhere, you’re welcome to show where such a concept is clearly conveyed in scripture.

“though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue”

Why is he stressing that they weren’t born, or that they hadn’t done anything? Does he have to actually use the word “unconditional” to convince you?

So what exactly is the condition you’re supposing? That we freely believe, right?

“You did not choose me, but I chose you”

“who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” -Romans 9:16

It seems to me like you’ve made up your mind and it doesn’t matter what scripture says.