Hi Amrhrasach,
Here are a few emails for you to consider, that may help you with your sticking point.
http://www.forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,2099.0.html ----
NO! NO, we absolutely do not have "free will." I realize that this concept is far too deep for most to comprehend and this is because it appears, it seems like, it feels like, we have the ability to make choices that are not caused, but this is just an illusion. There is no such thing as an event that happens anywhere in the Universe without a cause. And this is just as true for a thought in your mind as it is for an exploding star. And it is absolutely, totally, and repeatedly backed up by dozens and dozens of Scriptures.
God be with you,
Ray
http://www.forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,3622.0.html ----
Yes, you have basically stated the facts correctly, however
your conclusion is erroneous.
You agree to believe that God does control all things in
the Universe, but then suggest, therefore GOD DOESN'T
NEED TO CONTROL ANYTHING! How do you
suppose it is that God DOES all the things He does? He
causes things to happen by the circumstances of His creation.
I HAD to write my papers, even though from my perspective,
it was I who volunteered to do so. And my paper has already
had a profound effect on thousands of people's thinking with
regards to Dr. Kennedy's evil and unscriptural sermons.
You can't decide to stay in bed and stop living unless it has
already been predetermined before the foundation of the world
that this is the course you MUST TAKE. We ARE the actors
on God's stage of life, and we WILL perform as God directs.
God be with you,
Ray
http://www.forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,629.0.html -----
There is a lot going on in your mind that you do not understand. I get letters just like yours all the time.
[1] You do not understand the difference between "choice" and "free choice."
[2] You do not understand the difference between "will" and "free will."
[3] You do not understand what it means for God to be Sovereign.
[4] You don't object to God KNOWING all things in advance, but you do object to God being in CONTROL of all things in advance.
Therefore, it is impossible for you to see the truth of this subject.
You state: "While the scriptures you quoted clearly state that God knows all before it occurs, before each choice of humanity is made, that still does not preclude our free will."
First of all, it is NOT "my theory" as you suggest. I got this truth from the Scriptures.
But your statement above leaves out something else that I did over and over in the Scriptures. I not only showed where God "knew" what would happen in advance, but I showed from the Scriptures where God both propphesies and CAUSED people to do what was necessary to bring about God's desired future. Remember that whole long section on the King of Assyria, for example?
Furthermore, God's foreknowledge does prevent us from having free will. If God KNOWS that we WILL take course A in our life, we certainly are NOT FREE to take course B. No one is "free" to do something that is not open unto him to choose. Yes, it is quite simple, but not many can understand and accept the Scriptural teaching on this subject. Meditate on it for a few thousand hours in light of all the Scriptures as I have, and maybe God will open it up to your understanding. But only if God has ALREADY DETERMINED that He will open it up to you..
God be with you,
Ray