Subject: free will or predestine ? |
Bible Note: Hello Joel There are many passages in scripture in support of a "free will" as it is referred to. The expression itself is unscriptural in that it implies that the will is not affected by other influences. Whether we believe in human responsibility or not (and I do - very strongly) we can't help but see that the will of man has been and is affected by the fall. As to Scriptures that support a "choice" on the part of man see the following: For example, every appeal by God for the sinner to "believe" automatically assumes that the person who receives such a command CAN respond to it. It is worth noting that on each occasion that this appeal is given, the word "believe" is in the active voice, it is never passive. The fact also that the appeal to "believe" or to "call" etc is shown to be universal in character (rather than to the "elect" only) is shown in such well known scriptures as: John 3v16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life". Romans 10v11-13 "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved", 1 Timothy 2v3-4 "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth". God holds MAN responsible for not believing - see John 3v18 "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." In the consideration of Scripture (see for example Romans 1-3) God holds man responsible for HIS OWN ACTIONS. When the Lord Jesus was here he made a statement concerning Jerusalem which is worth noting in Matt 23v37 and Luke 13v34 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!" Notice here that the Lord says "I would have gathered...but ye would not". This implies a free-will on the part of those who rejected Him. To be honest, the principle of choice is a part of the whole fabric of scripture. Man is responsible for the choices he makes in every sphere - because he has been given a "will" which can be exercised in one of 2 ways - obedience or disobedience to God. This is by no means an overview of the argument for man having a choice, it is just a few verses which spring to mind that imply such a thing. In all of this we are not setting aside the fact of Divine Purpose. In Him David |