The biblical doctrine of election is arguably, the most despised doctrinal issue by many people in the world at large, in the church in particular and for good reason. This doctrine hits at the core of human pride and the desire to be in-charge and in control of one's destiny. The very idea that God , from the foundation of creation, sovereignly elected or chose some people to be with Him in heaven for ever and the rest were non-elect, passed over and even rejected, is an affront to the natural person.
God, from eternity past, hand-picked some people out of the human race to spend eternity with Him in heaven. And those that He hand-picked, are those whose sin, He atoned for. Jesus said in John 8:36, if the Son sets you free you are free indeed.
The assumption that can be inferred from Jesus's statement in this verse is that humans are naturally bound and in bondage to sin. Those whom the Son sets free, are those whom he foreknows, meaning, God had determine before hand to establish a love relationship with those that He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His son. Those that He has elected are also those that He especially called, regenerated and justified.
The doctrine of election, while beloved by many, is also passionately opposed by others. At the heart of that opposition, is the character of God. His justice is often called into question. His goodness is often elevated above His justice. The question that is often raised is, "why would a good God send anyone to hell?", And the question that I would often ask is, "why would a just God allow anyone into His holy heaven?" Rejecters of election also espouse freedom of the human will. They argue that the human will is free and not in bondage.