Ward, the issue is not Mom's logic. The issue is the revelation in scripture. God gave us the right and the ability to choose. "whosoever believeth in him..."
If in God's wisdom that was the appropriate decision then it is backed by the eternal wisdom. If it is God's wisdom to hold off "predestining" until after he has foreknown, then that is backed by eternal wisdom.
The question is Who will believe X..the world is full of those that will not ever believe.
Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
You fail to appreciate that all does not always mean all..
Matthew 22
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
So who can want to come? What sets Ward apart from the others that refuse to come?
Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
Are those that come smarter than those that refuse ?
John 13
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
It is foolishness and pride to believe that you are smarter and holier X
John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
He chose you X , He chose you Wade
Not because you were or are any smarter or holier than the others ,but because it pleased Him to do so.
If you want humility remember
1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
May I always be a fool for Christ!