Interfaith Group

and while they agree with other sects that we are completely depraved without God's grace, we have nothing to do with whether or not we will see any of that grace. Unlike Catholics, Lutherans, and others, redemption is at God's will alone and there's nothing we can do about it except hope we are among the chosen.

Predestination, and all that.

So, they wouldn't see Jesus as a friend of sinners in general, or even as a friend of anyone at all. Jesus simply picks out, apparently randomly, those who will be saved. Ergo, whoever Jesus parties with will be, by definition, a follower, but in a very exclusive club.

Theology can be silly and drive you nuts, but Merritt's on the right track here.