Lynda,

This is a really good question, one which I am sure many a saint has asked or pondered in their hearts. As the others have rightly responded, there is no definitive answer to this question for it belongs to the "secret things" of God, (Deut 29:29).

However, here is something which perhaps you might also give some prayerful thought. Our God could have kept Adam from sinning and thus plunging the entire human race into depravity. Instead, He ordained the Fall and the entire creation now groans and is "waiting for our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." (Rom 8:23) All these things we do know have a certain purpose; to glorify God. In this fallen condition, men are thus exposed to God's love, mercy and grace as well as His inexorable holiness, wrath and justice, which perhaps without sin we would have never known, at least to the extent to which it is now revealed to us in the Lord Jesus Christ.

More so, we are made to learn obedience unto perfection as did our Lord, (Heb 5:8, 9). I have taken to heart what the Puritans used to teach, i.e., "In justification we are qualified for heaven. In sanctification we are made ready for heaven. This is aptly summarized in Paul's words:

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Romans 8:29 (ASV) "For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren:"
Yes, we are now being conformed to be like our precious Savior, being partakers of His divine nature. (2Pet 1:4)

And lastly, Peter has these revealing words of truth and encouragement:

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1 Peter 4:12-13 (ASV) "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy."
In His grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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