What does the Bible say about free will?

The concept of free will is a profound and intricate topic within Christian theology. It has sparked numerous debates among scholars, theologians, and believers throughout the history of the Church. To explore what the Bible says about free will, we must delve into various scriptures and theological perspectives to understand how human freedom and divine sovereignty coexist.

The Bible affirms the reality of free will, presenting numerous instances where human beings are given the choice to obey or disobey God. From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, we see God giving Adam and Eve the freedom to choose. In Genesis 2:16-17, God commands Adam, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” This directive implies the presence of choice and the ability to exercise free will.

Throughout the Old Testament, we encounter various calls to choose obedience to God. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Moses addresses the Israelites, saying, “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.” This passage underscores the importance of human choice in responding to God’s commands and the consequential nature of those choices.

The New Testament continues to emphasize the significance of free will. Jesus’ teachings often highlight the necessity of personal decision in following Him. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Here, Jesus presents a clear choice between two paths, urging His listeners to choose the narrow way that leads to life.

Additionally, Jesus’ invitation to follow Him is extended to all, but it requires a voluntary response. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus declares, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” This call to discipleship is open to everyone, but it necessitates a conscious decision to follow Jesus and embrace the cost of discipleship.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the exercise of free will in his letters. In Romans 6:16, Paul writes, “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” Paul’s words highlight the choice between living in sin or living in righteousness, emphasizing the role of human agency in determining one’s spiritual condition.

However, the discussion of free will in the Bible must also consider the doctrine of divine sovereignty and predestination. The tension between free will and God’s sovereign will is a central theme in Christian theology. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all creation and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. Proverbs 16:9 states, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” This verse reflects the belief that while humans make plans and choices, it is ultimately God who directs their paths according to His divine will.

The Apostle Paul addresses the concept of predestination in his letter to the Ephesians. In Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul writes, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” This passage suggests that God’s choice and predestination are rooted in His love and sovereign will, preceding human action and decision.

Similarly, in Romans 8:29-30, Paul states, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” These verses emphasize God’s foreknowledge and predestination in the process of salvation, indicating that God’s plan for individuals is established before they make any choices.

The interplay between free will and divine sovereignty is a mystery that has been explored by many theologians. Augustine of Hippo, one of the early Church Fathers, articulated a view that reconciles free will with divine sovereignty. In his work "On Free Choice of the Will," Augustine argues that human free will and God’s sovereignty are compatible. He posits that God’s foreknowledge does not negate human freedom; rather, God’s knowledge of future events includes human free choices.

Another influential theologian, John Calvin, developed the doctrine of predestination more extensively in his work "Institutes of the Christian Religion." Calvin asserts that God’s sovereign will is the ultimate cause of all things, including human salvation. He maintains that while humans have the ability to choose, their choices are ultimately influenced by God’s sovereign grace. Calvin’s perspective emphasizes the primacy of God’s will in the process of salvation, yet it does not completely dismiss the role of human agency.

The Arminian perspective, articulated by Jacobus Arminius, offers a different understanding of free will and predestination. Arminius argues that God’s predestination is based on His foreknowledge of human choices. According to Arminianism, God’s grace enables humans to respond freely to His call, and individuals have the genuine ability to accept or reject salvation. This view upholds the significance of free will while acknowledging God’s foreknowledge and prevenient grace.

In summary, the Bible presents a nuanced view of free will, affirming human agency and responsibility while also acknowledging God’s sovereign will and predestination. Scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments highlight the importance of personal choice in responding to God’s commands and the consequences of those choices. At the same time, the Bible teaches that God’s sovereign plan encompasses and transcends human decisions.

The tension between free will and divine sovereignty is a profound mystery that invites believers to trust in God’s wisdom and grace. As finite beings, we may not fully comprehend how these two truths coexist, but we can rest in the assurance that God’s purposes are ultimately good and just. Reflecting on the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 11:33-36, we are reminded of the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?’ ‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?’ For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”

In navigating the complexities of free will and divine sovereignty, Christians are called to live faithfully, making choices that align with God’s will and trusting in His sovereign plan. Through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, believers can seek to understand and embrace the balance between human freedom and God’s overarching purpose.