Bible Study Predestination

[Douglas Summers]

So you see the Resurrection and Rapture taking place at His Coming, at the end of the age, after the great tribulation?


Thanks. JLB

Not quit. There is an order to the resurrections. Christ the first fruits then those of Christ at the meeting in the air. Christ coming for the first fruit are those who first trusted in Christ (His Body)(Church) 1 Cor.15:22-23; Eph. 1:12. When Christ comes for His Church he does not return to the earth. We meet Him in the air.(1 Thess. 4:16-17). After that the OT saints, Then those who go through the tribulation.(Rev. 20:4-6). All this is the first resurrection. It happens over a period of Devin events. Then some time after the 1000 year reign of peace is the second resurrection of the wicked dead. These are people like Cane. They brought their own works to justify their standing before God. So God judges them by their works. Through pride they rejected Christ .....They did it their way.

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[reba]

yes we do know . when God draws us through the holy spirit . we can be in the white knuckle club and fight it off and reject or we can accept. he tell us not to harden our heart .

How do you know? We can surmise we can make educated guesses but do you really know?

who was responsible with pharaoh him or God i mean 12 plaques that shows mercy .

Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

 

[ezra]

are you Calvinist ???? i stand by who so ever will or shall

 

[JLB]

Christ coming for the first fruit are those who first trusted in Christ (His Body)(Church) 1 Cor.15:22-23; Eph. 1:12.

No such thing as Christ Coming for the first fruit.

Christ is the First Fruit.
He has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23

All those who are His shall be made alive.

... even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
... those who are Christ's at His coming.


The Lord Jesus Christ will come a second time to Gather all those who are His, at His return to earth to Earth.

so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Hebrews 9:28

26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
27 And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven. Mark 13:26-27

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.1 Thessalonians 4:14-17

This event is the Day or The Lord.

vs 17 shows the Resurrection and Rapture as one event.


They are gathered unto Him in the air, on His way to Jerusalem, to the Mount of Olives.

4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives...Thus the Lord my God will come, And all the saints with You.
Zechariah 14:4,6


Jesus will return once to gather His people at the Resurrection/Rapture, and Judge from His Throne in Jerusalem.


JLB

 

[Douglas Summers]

are you Calvinist ???? i stand by who so ever will or shall

Hi Ezra, Rev. 22:17.....whosoever WILL is not for this age. Notice the SPIRIT and the BRIDE are are calling for those that hear and are athirst and whosoever will may come. The Church was called out before the creation of the earth.(Eph. 1:3-14). The Church is not by the will of man and no man can join the Church by his own will. He is Chosen by God. Only God adds to His Church.(John 1:9-13; Acts 2:47). Christ is building His Church, The Bride of Christ. Only The Father can draw us to Christ. (John 5:19-47; 6:44-47). His Church are the first fruits of those who trusted and believed. How are we called?.........By The Gospel (2 Thess. 2: 13-14) What is the Gospel? The Good news of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. (Matt. 4:23; Acts 1:3; 8:12; 19;8; 20:24-25; 28: 23-24,31; Heb. 12:28)

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[Douglas Summers]

No such thing as Christ Coming for the first fruit.

Christ is the First Fruit.
He has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23

All those who are His shall be made alive.

... even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
... those who are Christ's at His coming.

Hi JLB, Many believe the way you do. I do not. I believe in the Church rapture. (Rev.3:10). He is speaking to the Church here. Also ( Rev. 20: 4-6) Talks about the first resurrection. And 1000 years later it talks about another resurrection, that is two at different times. (Rev.20:11-15)
The Lord Jesus Christ will come a second time to Gather all those who are His, at His return to earth to Earth.

so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Hebrews 9:28

26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
27 And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven. Mark 13:26-27

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.1 Thessalonians 4:14-17

This event is the Day or The Lord.

vs 17 shows the Resurrection and Rapture as one event.


They are gathered unto Him in the air, on His way to Jerusalem, to the Mount of Olives.

4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives...Thus the Lord my God will come, And all the saints with You.
Zechariah 14:4,6


Jesus will return once to gather His people at the Resurrection/Rapture, and Judge from His Throne in Jerusalem.


JLB

Hi JLB, Many believe the way you do. I do not. I believe in the Church rapture. (Rev.3:10). He is speaking to the Church here. Also ( Rev. 20: 4-6) Talks about the first resurrection. And 1000 years later it talks about another resurrection, that is two at different times. (Rev.20:11-15)

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[JLB]

I believe in the Church rapture

I also believe there will be a Rapture.

However it is clear that the Rapture can not be separated from the Resurrection.

17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

The Raptured ones will be caught up with the Resurrected ones who will be Resurrected a moment before the Raptured ones.

The Resurrection and Rapture are one event that is referred to as The gathering in the scriptures.

This event is on the Day of the Lord.

As far as Revelation 3:10, it was written to the Church in Philadelphia, at the time when John was still alive on the earth.

7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":
8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. Revelation 3:7-11


I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world...


Just as Noah was kept during the time of trial that came upon the whole earth, so shall God keep His faithful ones.

Unless they desire to obtain a better resurrection.

Just as God kept Daniel in the Lion's den, and just as God kept the three Hebrew Children from the flames of fire, so their clothes didn't even smell like smoke, so it is that God is able to keep His faithful ones, without taking them off the earth.


The Resurrection and Rapture are one event, and can not be separated from the Coming of the Lord, on the Day of the Lord.


JLB

 

[Deborah13]

Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

This is how I understand this.....
God was having mercy on His people the Hebrews but not on Pharaoh, he was getting what he brought upon himself.
Exo 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

I love this statement from God when Moses is afraid to try to convince the Hebrew people and the Pharaoh. Who can stand against the will of God?
Exo 3:19 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
Exo 3:20 And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

Exo 4:21 And Jehovah saith unto Moses, `In thy going to turn back to Egypt, see--all the wonders which I have put in thy hand--that thou hast done them before Pharaoh, and I--I strengthen his heart, and he doth not send the people away;

Pharaoh was already hard against the Hebrew people, God heard their cries. God further hardened/ or strengthened Pharaoh's resolve against them and their God, so that Pharaoh would have a false courage (foolish) to stand against God. In this way, God could show His power to the whole land of Egypt and the Hebrew people. Even their arrogant and powerful leader (who was worshiped as a god) could not stand against the Hebrew's God.
Kind of like the 5' 5", 125 lb, drunk guy, thinking he can beat the 6'5", 220 lb wrestler, dutch courage.

 

[ezra]

Hi Ezra, Rev. 22:17.....whosoever WILL is not for this age. Notice the SPIRIT and the BRIDE are are calling for those that hear and are athirst and whosoever will may come. The Church was called out before the creation of the earth.(Eph. 1:3-14). The Church is not by the will of man and no man can join the Church by his own will. He is Chosen by God. Only God adds to His Church.(John 1:9-13; Acts 2:47). Christ is building His Church, The Bride of Christ. Only The Father can draw us to Christ. (John 5:19-47; 6:44-47). His Church are the first fruits of those who trusted and believed. How are we called?.........By The Gospel (2 Thess. 2: 13-14) What is the Gospel? The Good news of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. (Matt. 4:23; Acts 1:3; 8:12; 19;8; 20:24-25; 28: 23-24,31; Heb. 12:28)

In Christ
Douglas Summers

all i can say is you keep holding on to that theory of course pharaoh was already hardened . he was envious of them the way God took care of them . it was by his choice and God gave him a chance to repent not real sure where you get not for this age .but never the less so be it

 

[Brother Mike]

Hi Ezra, Rev. 22:17.....whosoever WILL is not for this age. Notice the SPIRIT and the BRIDE are are calling for those that hear and are athirst and whosoever will may come. The Church was called out before the creation of the earth.(Eph. 1:3-14). The Church is not by the will of man and no man can join the Church by his own will. He is Chosen by God. Only God adds to His Church.(John 1:9-13; Acts 2:47). Christ is building His Church, The Bride of Christ. Only The Father can draw us to Christ. (John 5:19-47; 6:44-47). His Church are the first fruits of those who trusted and believed. How are we called?.........By The Gospel (2 Thess. 2: 13-14) What is the Gospel? The Good news of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. (Matt. 4:23; Acts 1:3; 8:12; 19;8; 20:24-25; 28: 23-24,31; Heb. 12:28)

In Christ
Douglas Summers

Well, I guess no need for faith then, since whosover wills, can not anymore.

And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
(Rev 21:9-10)

When scripture says I'll show you the bride, the lambs wife and it's the city of Jerusalem, and Israel always referred to the whore who left God for other gods, then you can be pretty sure that the term Bride of Christ is not in scripture and just make believe.

Just so there is no confusion left, since the term "The Bride of Christ" is curiously missing from scripture.

(Us Standing with the Lord in the great battle)
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
(Rev 19:9)

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
(Rev 19:17-18)

The Birds will be having Human that day. Served Rare.

I will not be eating with the birds that day, bring your own sack lunch.

Mike

 

[reba]

are you Calvinist ???? i stand by who so ever will or shall

If this was sent to me.... the answer is no..

 

[Douglas Summers]

Well, I guess no need for faith then, since whosover wills, can not anymore.

And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
(Rev 21:9-10)

When scripture says I'll show you the bride, the lambs wife and it's the city of Jerusalem, and Israel always referred to the whore who left God for other gods, then you can be pretty sure that the term Bride of Christ is not in scripture and just make believe.

Just so there is no confusion left, since the term "The Bride of Christ" is curiously missing from scripture.

(Us Standing with the Lord in the great battle)
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
(Rev 19:9)

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
(Rev 19:17-18)

The Birds will be having Human that day. Served Rare.

I will not be eating with the birds that day, bring your own sack lunch.

Mike

Hi Mike, Rev.19:9 and Rev.17-18 are two different events. The first is a wedding feast of the Lamb, The second is the battle of Armageddon, the feast for the birds of the air. The first takes place in heaven Rev.21:9-10. The second feast is on the earth Rev. 16:16. The first feast is a celebration and marriage (Eph. 5:22-33) receiving it's birthright and inheritance as Sons of God. (Rom.8:14-17). The second is judgment and death. No prophecy of the Scriptures is for private interpretation.(2 Peter 1:19-21). Where Scripture is clear, you do not take other unrelated Scriptures to make a your own teachings. Scripture did not come by the will of men, but of God

In Christ
Douglas Summers.

 

[Douglas Summers]

Hi Mike, Rev.19:9 and Rev.17-18 are two different events. The first is a wedding feast of the Lamb, The second is the battle of Armageddon, the feast for the birds of the air. The first takes place in heaven Rev.21:9-10. The second feast is on the earth Rev. 16:16. The first feast is a celebration and marriage (Eph. 5:22-33) receiving it's birthright and inheritance as Sons of God. (Rom.8:14-17). The second is judgment and death. No prophecy of the Scriptures is for private interpretation.(2 Peter 1:19-21). Where Scripture is clear, you do not take other unrelated Scriptures to make a your own teachings. Scripture did not come by the will of men, but of God

In Christ
Douglas Summers.

 

[Brother Mike]

Hi Mike, Rev.19:9 and Rev.17-18 are two different events. The first is a wedding feast of the Lamb, The second is the battle of Armageddon, the feast for the birds of the air. The first takes place in heaven Rev.21:9-10. The second feast is on the earth Rev. 16:16. The first feast is a celebration and marriage (Eph. 5:22-33) receiving it's birthright and inheritance as Sons of God. (Rom.8:14-17). The second is judgment and death. No prophecy of the Scriptures is for private interpretation.(2 Peter 1:19-21). Where Scripture is clear, you do not take other unrelated Scriptures to make a your own teachings. Scripture did not come by the will of men, but of God

In Christ
Douglas Summers.

No scripture is taken of private interpretation as we don't take unrelated scripture and make stuff up. This is true Douglas, agree 100 percent.

However, we are not taking "ONE" scripture here and putting a spin on it. We are reading the chapter together. You want to believe in some nice meal we all have in Heaven dressed in white. Your the one that made up out of your own thinking the term "Bride of Christ" though you accuse me of taking scripture out of context, it does not bother you at all to make things up. Pretty hypocritical, wouldn't you say?

Lets go line upon line. (Isa 28)

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
(Rev 19:7-9)

We have a wife that has made herself ready. The wife granted that she would be arrayed in fine linen which is the righteousness of Saints. They are blessed to be called to this marriage supper.

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
(Rev 19:11-14)

Heaven is opened, Jesus on the Horse, followed by armies which were in heaven on white horses, in white linen.

ZERO mention of any supper, feast, or anything else. Zero Mention the wife is with the Armies who will be arrayed with the same white as the saints. The saints are already ready, already the righteousness of God in Heaven, they don't have to make themselves ready.
Jesus is not sitting around Heaven waiting on us to get up to speed here.

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
(Rev 19:17-21)

The only time eating the supper is mentioned is the calling of the fowls of the air who are called to the great super of the Great God.
We also can't be 100% sure that the armies that follow are actually us, all it says is that the Bride is arrayed in white, the color of the righteousness of the saints. The armies are in white, but it never says the armies are the Saints. We just assume that.

This is all one event.

The wife Made herself ready, the wife in white as the saints, blessed are those called to the marriage supper (We assume us, but it don't really make it clear)

Heaven is opened, Jesus on the white Horse, Jesus name means the Word of God, followed by armies in white linen.

The armies fight, the birds are called to the supper to eat the flesh of the kings, an Jesus takes authority over the earth having conquered all.

We see the bride, the lambs wife.
And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
(Rev 21:9-10)

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
(Rev 21:2)

We know who the bride is, the lambs wife, we know what the super is as only one is mentioned.

Line upon line.

 

[Deborah13]

high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
(Rev 21:9-10)

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
(Rev 21:2)

Notice that this says, "the holy Jerusalem". Do you think this implies that the earthly city of Jerusalem, was/is not holy?

 

[Brother Mike]

Notice that this says, "the holy Jerusalem". Do you think this implies that the earthly city of Jerusalem, was/is not holy?

The one we have on Earth now? Holy?

The one we have now sits on the same corrupted earth the rest of us live in. The One in REV, we are told she Prepared Herself. Not sure how they did that, but that is what it says.

the one we have now would have to share the same white as the righteousness of the Saints. It does not, the One to come does though.
Not saying it's a terrible place, but it will be nothing compared to the glory of the new city.
Be blessed.

 

[JLB]

We also can't be 100% sure that the armies that follow are actually us, all it says is that the Bride is arrayed in white, the color of the righteousness of the saints. The armies are in white, but it never says the armies are the Saints. We just assume that.

We can be sure that the saints in heaven return with Jesus to earth.

27 And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven. Mark 13:27

and again -

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 4:14

and again -

4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.
5 Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the Lord my God will come, And all the saints with You. Zechariah 14:4-5


JLB

 

[Brother Mike]

We can be sure that the saints in heaven return with Jesus to earth.

27 And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven. Mark 13:27

and again -

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 4:14

and again -

4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.
5 Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the Lord my God will come, And all the saints with You. Zechariah 14:4-5


JLB

Wow, thanks for those scriptures. Now to get Jesus to change what is on the menu and we are good to roll.

 

[JLB]

Wow, thanks for those scriptures. Now to get Jesus to change what is on the menu and we are good to roll.

I'm still thinking those Nephilim are "bread for us to consume".

Let's just stick with the menu and eat what's put in front of us.

Remember to stay close to me, and I won't let any of them rape you...


JLB

 

[williamt]

From post # 12 -
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
Ephesians 1:4

By saying "chose us in Him", the Holy Spirit is indicating that God foresaw who would choose Christ of their own freewill and He chose those who chose to be in Him, to be conformed to the image of His Son.

Hello,

First, I apologize for not reading all resulting replies.

Perhaps you can clarify when stating, "God foresaw who would choose Christ of their own free will." I'd just like to state, that I too believe God is omniscient, knowing all. But why had God the need to look through the corridors of time to learn which or who would first choose Him? Are you suggesting God learns? and is not Omniscient or even impotent?

Here's a clip of John Calvin's commentary on this particular verse:

Here is also the rule and the fontal cause of God's election: it is according to the good pleasure of his will (Ephesians 1:5), not for the sake of any thing in them foreseen, but because it was his sovereign will, and a thing highly pleasing to him. It is according to the purpose, the fixed and unalterable will, of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will (Ephesians 1:11), who powerfully accomplishes whatever concerns his elect, as he has wisely and freely fore-ordained and decreed, the last and great end and design of all which is his own glory: To the praise of the glory of his grace (Ephesians 1:6), that we should be to the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:12), that is, that we should live and behave ourselves in such a manner that his rich grace might be magnified, and appear glorious, and worthy of the highest praise. All is of God, and from him, and through him, and therefore all must be to him, and centre in his praise. Note, The glory of God is his own end, and it should be ours in all that we do. This passage has been understood by some in a very different sense, and with a special reference to the conversion of these Ephesians to Christianity. Those who have a mind to see what is said to this purpose may consult Mr. Locke, and other well-known writers, on the place. 2. The next spiritual blessing the apostle takes notice of is acceptance with God through Jesus Christ: Wherein, or by which grace, he hath made us accepted in the beloved, Ephesians 1:6. Jesus Christ is the beloved of his Father (Matthew 3:17), as well as of angels and saints. It is our great privilege to be accepted of God, which implies his love to us and his taking us under his care and into his family. We cannot be thus accepted of God, but in and through Jesus Christ. He loves his people for the sake of the beloved. 3. Remission of sins, and redemption through the blood of Jesus, Ephesians 1:7. No remission without redemption. It was by reason of sin that we were captivated, and we cannot be released from our captivity but by the remission of our sins. This redemption we have in Christ, and this remission through his blood. The guilt and the stain of sin could be no otherwise removed than by the blood of Jesus. All our spiritual blessings flow down to us in that stream. This great benefit, which comes freely to us, was dearly bought and paid for by our blessed Lord; and yet it is according to the riches of God's grace. Christ's satisfaction and God's rich grace are very consistent in the great affair of man's redemption. God was satisfied by Christ as our substitute and surety; but it was rich grace that would accept of a surety, when he might have executed the severity of the law upon the transgressor, and it was rich grace to provide such a surety as his own Son, and freely to deliver him up, when nothing of that nature could have entered into our thoughts, nor have been any otherwise found out for us. In this instance he has not only manifested riches of grace, but has abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence (Ephesians 1:8), wisdom in contriving the dispensation, and prudence in executing the counsel of his will, as he has done. How illustrious have the divine wisdom and prudence rendered themselves, in so happily adjusting the matter between justice and mercy in this grand affair, in securing the honour of God and his law, at the same time that the recovery of sinners and their salvation are ascertained and made sure! 4. Another privilege which the apostle here blesses God for is divine revelation - that God hath made known to us the mystery of his will (Ephesians 1:9), that is, so much of his good-will to men, which had been concealed for a long time, and is still concealed from so great a part of the world: this we owe to Christ, who, having lain in the bosom of the Father from eternity, came to declare his will to the children of men. According to his good pleasure, his secret counsels concerning man's redemption, which he had purposed, or resolved upon, merely in and from himself, and not for any thing in them. In this revelation, and in his making known unto us the mystery of his will, the wisdom and the prudence of God do abundantly shine forth. It is described (Ephesians 1:13) as the word of truth, and the gospel of our salvation. Every word of it is true. It contains and instructs us in the most weighty and important truths, and it is confirmed and sealed by the very oath of God, whence we should learn to betake ourselves to it in all our searches after divine truth. It is the gospel of our salvation: it publishes the glad tidings of salvation, and contains the offer of it: it points out the way that leads to it; and the blessed Spirit renders the reading and the ministration of it effectual to the salvation of souls. O, how ought we to prize this glorious gospel and to bless God for it! This is the light shining in a dark place, for which we have reason to be thankful, and to which we should take heed. 5. Union in and with Christ is a great privilege, a spiritual blessing, and the foundation of many others. He gathers together in one all things in Christ, Ephesians 1:10. All the lines of divine revelation meet in Christ; all religion centres in him. Jews and Gentiles were united to each other by being both united to Christ. Things in heaven and things on earth are gathered together in him; peace made, correspondence settled, between heaven and earth, through him. The innumerable company of angels become one with the church through Christ: this God purposed in himself, and it was his design in that dispensation which was to be accomplished by his sending Christ in the fulness of time, at the exact time that God had prefixed and settled. 6. The eternal inheritance is the great blessing with which we are blessed in Christ: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, Ephesians 1:11. Heaven is the inheritance, the happiness of which is a sufficient portion for a soul: it is conveyed in the way of an inheritance, being the gift of a Father to his children. If children, then heirs. All the blessings that we have in hand are but small if compared with the inheritance. What is laid out upon an heir in his minority is nothing to what is reserved for him when he comes to age. Christians are said to have obtained this inheritance, as they have a present right to it, and even actual possession of it, in Christ their head and representative. 7. The seal and earnest of the Spirit are of the number of these blessings. We are said to be sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13. The blessed Spirit is holy himself, and he makes us holy. He is called the Spirit of promise, as he is the promised Spirit. By him believers are sealed; that is, separated and set apart for God, and distinguished and marked as belonging to him. The Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, Ephesians 1:14. The earnest is part of payment, and it secures the full sum: so is the gift of the Holy Ghost; all his influences and operations, both as a sanctifier and a comforter, are heaven begun, glory in the seed and bud. The Spirit's illumination is an earnest of everlasting light; sanctification is an earnest of perfect holiness; and his comforts are earnests of everlasting joys. He is said to be the earnest, until the redemption of the purchased possession. It may be called here the possession, because this earnest makes it as sure to the heirs as though they were already possessed of it; and it is purchased for them by the blood of Christ. The redemption of it is mentioned because it was mortgaged and forfeited by sin; and Christ restores it to us, and so is said to redeem it, in allusion to the law of redemption. Observe, from all this, what a gracious promise that is which secures the gift of the Holy Ghost to those who ask him.

God bless,
William