Angel,

Thanks for your question.

Theologians have been struggling with this paradox for centuries so from the outset we must understand we are dealing with a Mystery.

God created man in order to give Himself to man. At the same time, He wanted man to give himself back to God of his own free will.

Put in human terms, a husband wants a wife that returns his love, of her own free will. A wife wants a husband that does the same. I don't think that any human being (deep down) wants a spouse that truly loves them without any choice in the matter.

So it is with God, hence, He created man is His image and likeness, giving him reason and a free will. With free will, comes the possibility of rejection, which is what man [Adam] eventually chose. Even so, in our rejection of God, God did not reject us. He redeemed us through the Blood of Christ, thus enabling us to be reconciled to Him.

• Yes, indeed, God knows all things before they happen. That makes His love for us even more Glorious.
• Yes, He knew that His Son would die.

It was part of His plan to save us. He also knew that many would still reject Him despite the fact He gave His only Son as ransom for our sins. Nevertheless, He still loves those that reject Him and died equally for those that accept and reject Him.

It is the very nature of God to love and give. His desire is to love and give to those who will, by free will, accept and return His love. The price or risk of free will is rejection or sin.

I hope this helps.

John DiMascio