Its my opinion that Gods decisions are not 'predestined' on fore knowledge.
I'm in Seminary right now,and Predestination is one of the most difficult concepts I know of to wrap my arms around.
Romans 8 and Ephesians 1 clearly establish an "elect". That is a predestination to salvation through Jesus Christ.
However we do not find scriptural support for a predestination to damnation. (1st Timothy 2:3-4)
In fact, if some are predestined to eternal damnation, then what point would there be in sharing the Gospel? Why would we have been given the great commission? And for that matter,... Why Pray?
It is my belief, (And the doctrine of the L.C.M.S.) that Christ is physical evidence of Gods eternal love for rebellious sinners. We believe this not because it "makes sense" to human reason, but because this is what we find taught in the pages of God's holy Word.
When we discuss things like "time" and "fore knowledge" I think it is important to remember that we don't see time the same way that God does.
You and I are somewhat "stuck" in time. We can learn from the past, but we cannot see the future. (God can)
We do not have the ability to move into the past, (God can)
We can only move into the future at the rate we are moving into it at right now. (God is not limited as we are)
You and I are limited as to our understanding of events, past, present and future, (God does not suffer from such constraints.)
That's probably why the topic of predestination can become so contrevourseal. Man is attempting to comprehend something far beyond his own ability. I think it's like trying to fully comprehend the Trinity, or what heaven will be like.
It does make for some great conversations though!
God's " change of mind " may only be the way it looks from man's perspective.
I couldn't agree more. I think that is exactly correct.