"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory."
– Ephesians 1:11-12 (NIV)
It's hard to understand that predestination and free will can coexist, but to be simple and sweet consider that God is omnipresent and all knowing. Every choice for God and against Him has been known to Him, before their occurrences. Every single act of faithfulness as well as every act of rebellion has been foreknown. Think about when Jesus told Peter:
"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
– Matthew 16:18 (NIV)
But then 10 chapters later, Jesus says to Peter:
"‘Truly I tell you [Peter],’ Jesus answered, ‘this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’"
– Matthew 26:34 (NIV)
Jesus declared that the church would be built on Peter's foundation, but He also knew that Peter would one day disown Him 3 times. Despite Christ's foreknowledge of Peter making the free will decision to disown Him, He still declared that Peter would found the church.
Now check this out: Free Will is defined as the ability to act on one's own terms, at any moment's notice. Now look at the word predestination and notice the root word, destination. Destination is defined as a place where someone/something is going or being sent. The prefix "pre-" would just imply that the destination was known before the actual arrival to it.
So in conclusion, you have free will in all the moments of your life, but the destination that results of those free will choices is already foreknown to God. Simple and sweet. Hope this served you well. God bless you.
With Love and Blessings,
Cease The Messenger
Thank you and God bless you as well
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