The OP already dealt with this challenge with examples from Scripture (like Simon the Magician in Acts 8, or the heretics mentioned in 2 Peter 2). Some try to say that they must not have ever actually believed (even if the Bible says the opposite: Acts 8:13, 2 Peter 2:1, 20-22).
Here's a question... why did Abraham have to try to sacrifice Isaac? Surely, God Who is omnipotent and omnipresent knew the outcome of such a challenge and didn't have to actually have Abraham demonstrate his faith. In fact, you could say that God, in this example, is only going through the motions so Abraham could have the opportunity to show his faith (and realize it himself). The test was only over after the actual attempt, not the ascent of will by Abraham. We are to DO God's Will, not just accept that we would. Faith is an action word. It is following the commands of Christ to do the Will of His Heavenly Father.
God exists out of time. We are in time. The only way we can show our love and devotion to God is in time and in following His Will. Abraham didn't take it upon himself to sacrifice Isaac before he was asked because that wouldn't be God's Will, it would have been Abraham's. He had to wait to be asked even though Scripture showed very clearly that he was ready. Our ascent is in time, as is our faith walk. In that walk, we will experience forgiveness and forgive or fail to forgive and lose our own inheritance. The process is laid out in black and white in Scripture and played out in time in history.
You are now my favorite poster on FR. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
Please try to remain humble as ever. :)
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