The Bible discusses the concept of free will in several passages. Notably:
- Genesis 2:16-17
- Deuteronomy 30:19
- Joshua 24:15
- Galatians 5:13
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.
Genesis 2:16-17
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:
Deuteronomy 30:19
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 24:15
Galatians 5:13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13
What concept does the Bible give us about free will?
The Bible presents a profound yet straightforward idea of free will that aligns closely with the reverence and awe you hold for God. It teaches that God has bestowed upon humanity the capacity to make choices freely. This gift of choice reflects God’s desire for us to love and serve Him not out of compulsion but from a voluntary heart that values goodness and truth.
From the very beginning, in Genesis, we see that Adam was given the freedom to make decisions. God commanded Adam regarding the trees of the Garden of Eden, specifically instructing him not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This command implies that Adam had the freedom to choose obedience or disobedience. The choice to avoid that tree was clear, and it was up to Adam to decide, highlighting the early establishment of free will.
Moving forward in the Scriptures, Deuteronomy 30:19 emphasizes this concept further. Here, God lays before the people life and death, blessings and curses, and He encourages them to choose life. This moment isn’t just about literal survival; it’s about making a conscious decision to follow the path that leads to spiritual vitality and alignment with God’s will.
Joshua 24:15 echoes this sentiment when Joshua challenges the people to decide whom they will serve. The statement «choose you this day whom ye will serve» is a direct appeal to their free will. It respects their ability to decide and highlights the importance of making a choice that aligns with faithful service to the Lord.
Lastly, in the New Testament, Galatians 5:13 speaks of the liberty we have in Christ. This liberty is not for selfish gain but is an opportunity to serve one another in love. The Apostle Paul recognizes that this freedom is a powerful tool for building up the community in love, rather than an excuse for self-indulgence.
These passages collectively underline that free will is a foundational aspect of God’s relationship with humanity. It is a testament to His respect for us as beings capable of love and devotion. This freedom isn’t without boundaries or consequences; it comes with the responsibility to choose wisely, in ways that honor God and foster life. Thus, as believers who fear and respect God, recognizing and exercising our free will in a way that glorifies Him is both our privilege and our duty.