But didn’t God already know his decision before Hawkings was even born?
God knew his decision before the earth was created! What’s your point? Are you going to suggest that God should not have allowed him to be born knowing that he was going to reject Him? What you are fighting is the eternal dilemma of election vs. free will. I would not be honest if I said I understand it. But I know it is a fact that God knew what Hawkings would do, and I know it is a fact that he had a free choice. One day I will understand it, but not now.