Lewis,

             That short paper by Charles Strong, on simultaneous election & freewill, was absolutely astounding.

Considering, like he showed, that the LORD is transcendent to all of his creation, and that includes time, makes it easier to understand why this is not contradictory.

The LORD’s electing, before the foundation of the world, is simultaneous to the person calling upon the name of Jesus – to the LORD in eternity.

To man, one precedes the other in time, but to the LORD it is all simultaneously before him, in eternity.

Understanding this also helps to understand the doctrine of eternal security – to man, in time, that often seems impossible or even abominable.

However the LORD sees & saves the entire life all at once, not simply “up to the time of salvation”,

             in fact, he can say that, we that are saved, are already seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, and be literal about it, not as mere allegory or metaphor.

                          Thank you very much,

                                       Gino