Free Will: How does it align with
God's Omniscience and Predestination?
The concept of free will is not explicitly named in the Bible, but it is a theme that runs throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The Bible presents numerous instances where individuals make choices, emphasizing human responsibility and the consequences of those choices. Here are some key passages that imply the existence of free will:
Old Testament
Genesis 2:16-17:
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
This passage highlights God's command to Adam and Eve, giving them the freedom to obey or disobey.
Deuteronomy 30:19:
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
Here, God presents a choice to the Israelites, urging them to choose life by obeying His commandments.
Joshua 24:15:
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua challenges the people to make a conscious decision about whom they will serve.
New Testament
John 7:17:
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
Jesus implies that individuals have the ability to choose to follow God's will.
Romans 6:16:
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Paul speaks of yielding oneself to sin or obedience, indicating a choice between two paths.
Revelation 3:20:
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
This verse illustrates the invitation from Christ, which requires a personal decision to respond.
Theological Implications
The Bible emphasizes the importance of human choice in the context of God's sovereignty. While God has a sovereign plan, He also allows human beings to make choices, and these choices have real consequences. The interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will is a complex theological issue, but the Bible affirms both aspects.
Overall, while the term "free will" is not directly mentioned, the concept is woven into the biblical narrative through the numerous instances where humans are called to make decisions and are held accountable for them.
Aligning free will with concepts like predestination and the Elect is a theological challenge that has been debated for centuries. Here's a detailed exploration of how these concepts can be reconciled within the framework of Christian theology, particularly using the Bible:
Biblical Foundation for Predestination
The Bible also speaks of predestination and the Elect, indicating God's sovereignty over salvation:
Ephesians 1:4-5:
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will...
Romans 8:29-30:
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son... Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called...
John 15:16:
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Theological Approaches to Reconciliation
Calvinism:
Calvinism emphasizes God's sovereignty and predestination. According to this view, God's election is unconditional and not based on any foreseen merit or action on the part of humans. Free will exists, but it is seen as secondary to God's sovereign choice. John Calvin argued that God's foreknowledge does not depend on human actions but on God's will alone.
Arminianism:
Arminianism, on the other hand, emphasizes human free will and conditional election. According to this view, God's predestination is based on His foreknowledge of who would freely choose to accept His grace. Jacobus Arminius argued that God's election is based on His foreknowledge of faith.
Compatibilism:
Compatibilism attempts to reconcile free will and predestination by suggesting that they are compatible ideas. This view posits that God's predestination and human free will can coexist without contradiction. God's sovereignty establishes the framework within which human free will operates, ensuring that humans make real choices that align with God's ultimate plan.
Philosophical and Theological Synthesis
To further synthesize these concepts, consider the following perspectives:
1. God's Omniscience and Human Choice:
God, being omniscient, knows all possible outcomes and the choices individuals will make, yet this foreknowledge does not negate human free will. Humans make genuine choices, and God's predestination is His knowledge and orchestration of those choices within His divine plan.
2. Middle Knowledge (Molinism):
Proposed by Luis de Molina, this theory suggests that God has middle knowledge—knowledge of all possible decisions every free creature could make in any given circumstance. God uses this knowledge to actualize a world where His sovereign will and human free will are both accomplished.
3. The Mystery of Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility:
Many theologians accept that the full understanding of how divine sovereignty and human free will interact is beyond human comprehension. This approach encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and acknowledge the mystery of His divine plan.
4. Practical Implications for Believers:
Assurance and Responsibility: Believers are encouraged to find assurance in God's sovereign plan, knowing that their salvation is secure in His predestined will. At the same time, they are called to live responsibly, making choices that align with God's commands, reflecting the reality of their free will.
Evangelism and Predestination: The doctrine of predestination does not negate the Great Commission. Believers are to evangelize and share the gospel, trusting that God's elect will respond to His call through the message preached.
Conclusion
Reconciling free will with predestination and the Elect involves a nuanced understanding of Scripture and theological perspectives. While different Christian traditions emphasize various aspects of these doctrines, a harmonious approach acknowledges the complexity of God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Ultimately, this interplay remains a profound mystery that invites believers to trust in God's wisdom and live faithfully within His divine plan.