middle knowledge

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." - Ephesians 1:4 (NIV)

"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." - 2 Timothy 1:8-10 (NIV)

"The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because he once was, now is not, and yet will come." - Revelation 17:8 (NIV)

the way i see it, God chooses to create the best possible world in which all human actions (including faith) work for His maximum glory - this is the world in which we are living in right now. accordingly, God chooses not to create all other possible worlds in which all human actions (including faith) do not work for His maximum glory.

in this respect, all human actions (including faith) are entirely chosen by God. at the same time, all human actions (including faith) are entirely free. therefore, we are chosen but free.

in choosing to create the best possible world in which all human actions (including faith) work for His maximum glory, God indeed predestines the elect for salvation. however, God does not predetermine babies to damnation before they are born!