There are no infinite amount of possibilities if you agree that God knew all things from the beginning, even in pre-creation. That, by definition, means everything was predetermined, even our choices. God knew beforehand what we would choose and created everything anyway. Everyone has to wrestle with this fact one way or another, or else move into open theism or Molinism which has been stated. Both attack the nature of God. Open theism is straight up blasphemy while Molinism is bordering on it.
If God did not know all things in eternity past, then God is not omniscient, and if he isn't omniscient, he cant be omnipotent, and if he isn't omnipotent, then the outcome of all things can't be sure. Do you see the issue here? Everything was created with one possible outcome. The crucifixion for example could not have taken place at any other time in history. It happened when it was supposed to. The same with everything else.
If God reacts based on what we choose, then nothing is certain. Prophecy could fail. The outcome of all things would be a toss up. Even if you take the position that God knows an infinite number of outcomes (I'd need scripture for that by the way), then you still have to succumb to the fact that God knew in totality which path mankind would take, down to every minute decision each and every person makes before the decree of creation itself, or else make a claim that God did not know the outcome until later, or not at all.
Whether you are Arminian or Reformed, you cannot get around the fact that all things were predetermined to happen in eternity past. Everything is set in stone. There is a set number of people who will be saved. There is a set number of people who won't be saved, whether by man's choice, or by God's, but ultimately by God's either way because he predetermined all things before creation.
You see, there is a compatibility between man's fallen will and God's sovereign will. God knew the outcome from eternity but created us anyway. We were given free choice and we choose, but ultimately, God works all things together for his own purposes and ends. You see this compatibility with Joseph and his brothers. Joseph tells his brothers what you intended for evil, God intended for good. There was intent with both man and God, but God is sovereign, even over man's will, so his purpose prevailed. The Assyrian king, another example, was used as an instrument of God's wrath and God turned around and judged him for the intent that was already in his heart. So you see that there was intent on the King's part, but God already had a purpose that prevailed. The crucifixion itself. Intent on mans' part that was evil, but God had predetermined to use that evil intent for good, that being the redemption of the elect through the death of his Son. Intent on both man's part, and Gods, but God's will was victorious and always will be because he has predetermined it to be so.
This is why we know "that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Everything has meaning and purpose, even the evil man commits.
If there's an infinite God, it follows that there is infinite amount of possibilities. I think it's self-evident. All the possibilities of life forms and all the details of our world itself is the best evidence for this statement.
Just because God determines anything does not mean that possibilities do not exist. The fact that I can move my arm in many directions is good enough evidence. God could have determined how the world would go, one possibility. But, God made the world flexible enough for various possibilities like me being able to move my arm in different places. God determined when and how I'd move my arm... but,
there's more than one possible way for me to move my arm.
Also, the bible does pose questions... that are "if" questions. Psalm 81:13 "If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways." That suggests possibilities too.
Considering God's power alone, God could have made a world full of plants and animals only. This is possible. God could have made a world full of angels, not men. I think this is common sense.
If God has a plan... then he had a criteria. Plans don't just happen randomly. Plans have a mind behind it and God could have plausibly made a world where all that happened, happened in such a way where mankind would have the best possible chance at getting saved. The God of the bible wants save the whole world. Mankind refuses the gracious gift. God's will was to let mankind decide to choose to love God or not.
I don't see how Molinism does any wrong to God's nature. Molinism seems to just make explicit what God knows.... everything. God would know all the possibilities of mankind's choices. For example, if someone gave you a choice... between pizza and mexican food... God would know what you would choose. There's nothing wrong with God knowing all the possible choices you could make.
God knows everything in eternity past and eternity future.
Considering that Jesus willingly limited his God like powers (Matthew 24:36 "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.) you'd think power wouldn't be such a big issue. It's crystal CLEAR that God can be God, Jesus, while limited his own power. Regardless, Molinism does not claim that God is learning or limiting his power. If anything Molinism seems to show God practicing his power.
God did not react. He chose.
God looked into himself, his own character, his heart to love as many, to save as many possible. That's who God is. He is a God that is not pleased with the death of the wicked.
Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them: ‘As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?’
That's such an odd dichotomy. That's the confusion of every Calvinist I ever met. You and it seems all Calvinists don't see that it is possible for mankind to have libertarian freedom, yet God know the outcome of our choices... and God know how to pursued us, influence in such a way that does not overpower our free will. That is possible. I'm not saying God does not know. I've been telling everyone in this thread.. time and time again... God knows. Just because someone can make a decision, any decision, does not mean God does not know that decision. This is not a problem.
Yes, every Arminian understands predestination. Yes, I believe in predestination. But, predestination does not equal God causing anything. The Calvinist instantly believes that God caused everything. He caused certain things... not evil. Humans and angels caused evil. God foreknew our bad decisions. However, God's power being so influential makes it that even our evil decisions are used for good. He does not determine our evil decisions. He uses even our evil decisions for good. Genesis 50:20
"You intended to harm me, but
God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." It's clear. Two intentions... our's is evil. God's intention is good. It was not God's good intention to cause evil. He merely uses our evil intentions and actions.
Again, you and many Calvinists imply causing.. or God determining EVERYTHING but, don't recognize that God can control even those beings who have a free will.
First moves: God decided to make mankind, God decided to save mankind
^^^ Without these moves, mankind has no chance... zero chance.
He was not reacting. He made the choice. He could've chosen not to save. But, he chose give the world a chance to be saved (How much of the world? It doesn't matter. The world has always had one way to be saved, become a Jew... or as of today, accept Jesus. Ether way, there was a way) Why? Because he's a God that's willing to do everything he can to save the world. Scripture says it clear. Calvinists read in general call... effectual call.... part of the world... I think that's distortion and for the sake of Calvinism... Calvinists will continue to read in these ideas. Again, God did not react. He acted from who he is. Even Calvinists understand this... ask a Calvinist why he saved? Because he is a God of mercy... because he chose to love a few. In Arminianism, God chose to love all and love them all and reached out to everyone... invited, not forced.
Calvinism = God caused evil
Arminianism = A God who decided to save, men who had free will, give by God first, to choose salvation.