which means they did what Abraham, and believed God. and God accounted it to them as righteousness (romans 4)
I see That God predestined according to his will
john 6:
John 6:40
And
this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
which goes along with what he said in John 5:
John 5:24
“Most assuredly, I say to you,
he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
in both cases. seeing and believing, or hearing and believing are before one is given life.
And it goes to reason that those predestines are those who would do this
God does not have to know them by name before time began. He just predestined that whoever would see/hear and believe would be saved.
I think you need to reread James 2 and get context in order.
Jesus said otherwise, As did Paul
We are saved BY GRACE through faith.
remove faith from the equation. and you remove salvation.
God will not force you to believe
but as many as have received him..
I see it differently.
you seem to be back peddling..
I thought you said our faith has nothing to do with it