Free Will
In the Bible, free will refers to the ability of individuals to make choices independent of divine coercion. This concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing human responsibility and moral accountability. The choice between obedience and disobedience is prominently illustrated in the narrative of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2-3, where they are given the freedom to choose whether to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. The consequences of their choice highlight the significance of free will in the relationship between humanity and God.Moreover, free will is a foundational aspect of biblical teachings on salvation and faith. In Deuteronomy 30:19, God sets before the Israelites the choice between life and death, urging them to choose life. This underscores the belief that individuals have the agency to respond to God's call. Similarly, New Testament passages, such as Revelation 3:20, depict Jesus standing at the door and knocking, inviting individuals to choose to open the door to Him. This invitation suggests that while God's grace is essential for salvation, individuals must exercise their free will to accept it. Thus, the biblical understanding of free will encompasses both the capacity to choose and the moral implications of those choices in the context of one's relationship with God.
Free Will8
The Privilege of Choice
By A.W. Tozer0GEN 1:26A.W. Tozer emphasizes the inherent freedom of man's will, reflecting God's own nature of freedom. He explains that this freedom allows individuals to choose their companions, allegiance, and ultimately their spiritual state, whether to follow God or the devil. Tozer asserts that God respects this freedom and that to criticize God's creation of man is to question the Creator Himself. He highlights that apart from sin, there is nothing in human nature to apologize for, as confirmed by the incarnation of Christ. God values human freedom so highly that He will never violate it, preserving the dignity of His creation.
Reprobation
By Charles Finney0ISA 1:18JER 6:30ROM 1:24Charles Finney addresses the doctrine of reprobation, emphasizing that God has made every effort to save the obstinate and impenitent people of Israel, yet they remain unyielding. He explains that reprobation is not due to God's malevolence but is a consequence of individuals' unwillingness to accept salvation on God's terms. Finney argues that reprobates are not lost because they are reprobated, but rather because they persist in their wickedness and reject God's grace. He concludes that the salvation of the reprobate hinges on their own choices, and that God's justice and benevolence are evident in the doctrine of reprobation, which ultimately serves the greater good of the universe.
Of the Sin and Fall of Our First Parents.
By John Gill0GEN 2:17GEN 3:6LAM 3:37ACT 2:23ROM 5:122CO 11:31TI 2:13JAS 1:151PE 1:20REV 12:9John Gill preaches on the sin and fall of Adam and Eve, emphasizing how they transgressed God's command and fell from their original state of integrity into sin and misery. He explains that Eve was deceived by the serpent and, despite her initial innocence, succumbed to temptation, leading Adam to also sin by heeding her. Gill highlights that their fall was not caused by God or Satan directly, but rather by their own choices and desires, illustrating the nature of free will and the consequences of disobedience. He stresses that while God foreknew their sin, He did not compel them to sin, and that Adam's transgression has lasting implications for all humanity. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's word and the dangers of temptation.
Is Irresistible Grace Resistible?
By Shane Idleman1544:46ISA 1:18JER 26:3MRK 10:15JHN 3:16JHN 16:8ACT 7:51ROM 1:201CO 2:14EPH 1:132PE 3:9Shane Idleman addresses the complex theological debate surrounding irresistible grace, exploring whether God's grace can be resisted. He carefully navigates the perspectives of both Calvinism and Arminianism, emphasizing the importance of free will in responding to God's call for salvation. Shane highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, arguing that while God draws people to Himself, individuals still have the choice to accept or reject that grace. He passionately calls for a deeper understanding of God's love and justice, urging believers to share the message of hope and redemption with those who feel worthless or lost. Ultimately, Shane encourages the congregation to recognize their value in God's eyes and to actively participate in evangelism.
Through the Bible - Genesis 2-3
By Chuck Smith0GEN 2:1Chuck Smith explores the creation narrative in Genesis 2-3, emphasizing God's completion of creation and the establishment of the Sabbath as a day of rest. He discusses the significance of free will, highlighting how Adam and Eve's choice to eat from the tree of knowledge led to humanity's fall and the introduction of sin into the world. Smith explains that while the Sabbath was a covenant for Israel, Jesus Christ is our true rest, and believers are called to find their rest in Him. He also addresses the importance of choice in our relationship with God, underscoring that our decisions shape our destinies. Ultimately, Smith reassures that through Christ, we can regain the fellowship lost in the Garden of Eden.
The Responsibility of Choice
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 19:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound responsibility of human choice in his sermon 'The Responsibility of Choice.' He illustrates how Jesus respected the rich young ruler's decision to walk away, highlighting that true humanity requires the freedom to make moral choices without coercion. Tozer argues that while God offers grace and guidance, the act of repentance must come from the individual, as forcing it would undermine the essence of free will. He asserts that without the freedom to choose, neither sin nor righteousness can exist, as moral actions must be voluntary to hold true significance.
Whosoever Wills of the Bible
By Rolfe Barnard1.8K49:25MAT 11:28JHN 7:37ROM 10:9EPH 2:8HEB 11:6REV 22:1REV 22:17In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his time spent with the congregation and expresses gratitude for their friendship and the opportunity to preach the gospel. He mentions a controversial movie and plans to discuss it in the future. The sermon then focuses on the last chapter of the Bible, discussing the tree of life and the water of life that brings healing to the nations. The preacher emphasizes the richness of God's mercy and the importance of faith as a vital act of the soul in accepting Jesus Christ. He encourages the congregation to reach out and take hold of Christ, acknowledging that while faith is a gift from God, it is also an individual's responsibility to exercise it.
Defining Sin
By A.W. Tozer0ISA 14:14LUK 22:42ROM 6:16JAS 1:141JN 3:4A.W. Tozer explores the nature of sin, emphasizing that for an act to be sinful, it must be a voluntary choice made with moral knowledge. He illustrates this with the example of Lucifer's rebellion against God, highlighting that sin is the conscious transgression of God's law. In contrast, Tozer points to Christ's submission in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He chose to align His will with the Father’s, demonstrating the conflict between human will and divine will. This distinction between the choices of Satan and Christ underscores the divide between righteousness and sinfulness. Tozer reassures that submitting to God's will does not negate our ability to choose, but rather fulfills our purpose as beings created in God's image.