God decided.
We either go with this or we go with a limited God who is not omnipotent, omniscient, or either.
Amen.
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself" -- Ephesians 1:3-9"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
This does not rule out whimsy, it supports it.
We either go with this or we go with a limited God who is not omnipotent, omniscient, or either.
And if we end up with a God who is capricious, we've agreed we end up in error.
So, somewhere we made a wrong turn, yes?
Maybe we could start exploring where we end up if we do not assume that free will necessarily contradicts an omnipotent God and that predestination is not required of omniscience.
Forgot to thank you for your post.
I have to go out, so if you reply, I'm not ignoring you...