Subject: do we have any free will? |
Bible Note: These three verses depict the same statement of Jesus, saying that "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." This says what the follower of Christ must do, but says nothing about WHO will follow Christ. The fact is that Scripture very forcefully teaches that: (1) God chooses us (do a NT search for the words "chosen" and "elect" and you will see way too many verses to list here); there really can be no dispute on that matter for Bible-believers, and I really have met few who will rejct that idea; (2) we are dead in our sins and tresspasses, and while we do have free will, we are morally unable to choose God without the Holy Spirit's regeneration (Romans 3:10-18; 1 Cor. 2:14); (3)the question becomes whether God chooses us because of our choice, or whether God chooses believers of His own sovereign, unconditional choice and leaves some to suffer the just punishment for their sins. Read Romans 9 and Ephesians 1 to see when God chose us, the reasons God chose us, and whether we have a say-so in the matter (pay careful attention to Romans 9:18-23). To answer the original question, Hell is for both the non-elect (i.e. those who will never place their faith in Christ) as well as for Satan and his angels. We can see eternal punishment for human beings in Matthew 25, Luke 16, and Revelation 20:13,14. Once we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, we have the power to please God (i.e. not to sin) which did not previously exist before (Romans 8:8). We have been made new creatures (2 Cor 5:17), but we have the problem of having our old, sinful nature still present within us that will not be fully conquered until we are glorified in Heaven. Therefore, while we are commanded as believers not to sin (1 Peter 2:14-16), the very fact that this command is issued to believers indicates that sin is still present in our daily lives. Sanctification is the process by which, by yielding to the Spirit who lives within us, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1,2). Of course, the ability to choose to yield to the Spirit is only available to those who HAVE the Spirit (i.e. those who believe). Romans 8 gives a very good treatment of life in the Spirit. Hope this is of help, and I welcome any feedback as always! --Joe! |