Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ConceptFree will refers to the ability of individuals to make choices that are not predetermined by prior causes or divine intervention. In the context of Christian theology, it is the capacity given by God to humans to make moral and spiritual decisions. This concept is foundational in understanding human responsibility, sin, and salvation.
Biblical BasisThe Bible presents numerous instances that imply the existence of free will. In
Genesis 2:16-17 , God commands Adam, "You may eat freely from every tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die." This command presupposes Adam's ability to choose obedience or disobedience.
In
Deuteronomy 30:19 , Moses presents the Israelites with a choice: "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live." This passage underscores the human capacity to choose between different paths.
Joshua 24:15 further emphasizes this concept: "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Here, Joshua acknowledges the people's ability to decide whom they will serve.
Theological ImplicationsFree will is integral to the understanding of sin and moral responsibility.
Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This implies that sin is a result of human choice, not divine coercion. The presence of free will means that individuals are accountable for their actions and decisions.
The doctrine of free will also plays a crucial role in the concept of salvation. In
John 3:16 , it is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." The invitation to believe is extended to all, suggesting that individuals have the freedom to accept or reject this offer of salvation.
Free Will and Divine SovereigntyThe relationship between free will and divine sovereignty is a complex theological issue. While God is sovereign and His purposes will ultimately prevail, He allows human beings to exercise free will within the framework of His divine plan.
Proverbs 16:9 states, "A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This suggests that while humans can make plans and decisions, God’s sovereign will is ultimately accomplished.
Free Will in the New TestamentThe New Testament continues to affirm the concept of free will. In
Revelation 3:20 , Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me." This imagery of knocking and opening the door implies a voluntary response to Christ’s invitation.
Paul’s writings also reflect the importance of free will in the Christian life. In
Galatians 5:13 , he writes, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." Here, Paul acknowledges the freedom believers have and encourages them to use it responsibly.
ConclusionThe concept of free will is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative and is essential for understanding human nature, moral responsibility, and the dynamics of salvation. While it coexists with divine sovereignty, free will underscores the dignity and responsibility of human choice in the biblical worldview.
Topical Bible Verses
John 8:24I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am he, you shall die in your sins.
Topicalbible.orgActs 2:38
Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
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Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
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Luke 13:3
I tell you, No: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.
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Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
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Greek
1595. hekousios -- offree will, voluntary... of
free will, voluntary. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hekousios Phonetic
Spelling: (hek-oo'-see-on) Short Definition: willing, voluntary
...1635. hekon -- of one's ownfree will, voluntary
... of one's ownfree will, voluntary. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hekon
Phonetic Spelling: (hek-own') Short Definition: willing, willingly Definition...
1659. eleutheroo -- to makefree, fig. to exempt (from liability)
... See 1658 (). Jn 8:36: "So if the Son (1659 ), youwill be (1658 ) indeed" ().
Word Origin from eleutheros Definition to makefree, fig....
Strong's Hebrew
5071. nedabah -- voluntariness, freewill offering... spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by
inference, in plural) abundant gift --
free(-
will) offering, freely, plentiful
...7971. shalach -- to send
... sent away (7), sent...away (3), set (12), set yourfree (1), setfree (1), shot
(1... go (1), throw (1), thrown (1), thrust (1), urgently send (1), use (1),will (1...
3467. yasha -- to deliver
... surelywill not save (1), victorious (1). avenging, defend, deliverer, help, preserve,
rescue, be safe,. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide orfree,...
Library
WhetherFree-Will is a Power Distinct from theWill?
... OFFREE-WILL (FOUR ARTICLES) Whetherfree-will is a power distinct from thewill?
Objection 1: It would seem thatfree-will is a power distinct from thewill....
Grace andFree Will
... FIFTH PART GRACE ANDFREE WILL. Concerning grace andfree will, this is what
I teach according to the Scriptures and orthodox consent...
Free-Will Baptists.
... STATISTICS OF CHURCHES.Free-Will Baptists. This denomination of Baptists have
in their connection nine hundred and eighty-one churches...
Free-Will Baptists.
...FREE-WILL BAPTISTS. The first church gathered, of this order, was in New Durham,
NH, in the year 1780, principally by the instrumentality...
Free Will --A Slave
...Free Will"A Slave. A Sermon (No.52). Delivered...will. It has already been
proved beyond all controversy thatfree-will is nonsense....
Free-Will Baptists.
... STATISTICS OF CHURCHES.Free-Will Baptists. This flourishing class of Christians
have not, until recently, directed their efforts to a foreign field....
WhetherFree-Will is an Appetitive Power?
... OFFREE-WILL (FOUR ARTICLES) Whetherfree-will is an appetitive power? Objection
1: It would seem thatfree-will is not an appetitive, but a cognitive power....
OfFree Will.
... Article XVIII: OfFree Will. OfFree Will they teach that man'swill has some liberty
to choose civil righteousness, and to work things subject to reason....
Aminian orFree-Will Baptists.
... New Durham, New Hampshire, a Baptist church, which became the nucleus of a new
denomination, holding the doctrines of conditional election,free will, and open...
Whether There isFree-Will in the Angels?
... THEWILL OF THE ANGELS (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether there isfree-will in the angels?
Objection 1: It would seem that there is nofree-will in the angels....
Resources
What is libertarian free will? | GotQuestions.orgWill we have free will in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about predestination vs. free will? | GotQuestions.orgFree: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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