Paul Thomson is turning out to be a naysayer.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Tim 2:19)
If God know them that are His, He also knows them that are not His. Period.
Let us take the truth from this verse. How does the Lord know who are his? By his seal, the Holy Spirit. When does one receive the Holy Spirit? Upon believing the gospel.
To say that God already knows this ahead of time makes this verse a lie. Notice the Galatians passages states that “after that ye are known of God.” God does not know you until you believe the gospel and he seals you as one of his.
Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?