Free Agency
Free agency, or free will, in the Bible refers to the ability of individuals to make choices and decisions independent of external coercion. This concept is foundational in understanding humanity's relationship with God, as it emphasizes the moral responsibility of individuals to choose between good and evil. In the creation narrative, God grants humanity free agency by placing the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:16-17). The command not to eat from this tree implies that Adam and Eve had the autonomy to obey or disobey God's directive, which ultimately highlights the importance of their choice in the context of their relationship with God.Throughout the Scriptures, the theme of free agency is reinforced by numerous passages that call for conscious decision-making in following God's will. For example, Joshua famously challenges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve (Joshua 24:15), underscoring the necessity of personal commitment to God. In the New Testament, the concept is illustrated in Christ's invitation to follow Him (Matthew 16:24-25), inviting individuals to make a choice about discipleship. Thus, free agency is a critical element of biblical theology, reflecting both God's desire for a genuine relationship with humanity and the inherent responsibility of individuals to respond to that call.
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Free Agency Concluded - Consistant With Certainty
By John Murray1.2K51:15EPH 1:4The sermon transcript discusses the concept of free agency and its relationship to the execution of God's plan for salvation. The speaker acknowledges that there are many questions and difficulties surrounding this topic, but does not have time to address them in the class. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationships and order within God's execution of salvation. The speaker concludes by praying for God's guidance and wisdom in studying and understanding these concepts.
Free Agency
By John Murray1.3K50:21GEN 6:5JAS 1:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of natural liberty and human agency. He emphasizes that man is endowed with real agency, but God is the ultimate agent. Man acts dependently and excessively within the limits of this created realm. The preacher refers to Calvin's Institutes, specifically Book 2, chapters 3 and 5, to support his points. He highlights the importance of recognizing that the power of volition does not explain why individuals exercise that power in certain ways, leading to the diversity of actions among people.