I believe God honors our free will. Why can't it be both? God chose all of mankind in the beginning. Of course the way is narrow, since there is only One way. And simply saying not written? He forgives ALL sins. As though they never happened. He blots out. As though they were never there. Jesus also said "I never knew you." Jesus knows all. Does that mean (you) never existed? Too many yeah buts.
Of that school of thought, Spurgeon was quoted as saying: "imagine a store front with the sign above the door saying Whsoever Will. Those then who walked into the store would then be greeted with a sign that says Welcome to the Elect." I think I might of heard that one from Trustgzus. Not sure.
Years ago after reading Revelation 3:5, I had a vision of The Book of Life. Seeing all the blank spaces where once there was the name of a living soul. A terribly profound vision it was. All the chosen who ignored the Call, through their free will.