God Gives Us Free Will: Bible Verse KJV

Free Will in the Bible

Throughout the Bible, God's Word emphasizes the concept of free will, highlighting our responsibility to make choices that shape our lives. Key biblical verses shed light on this important topic.

Divine Influence and Human Autonomy

• Proverbs 16:9: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."
• 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."

These verses acknowledge that while God provides guidance and direction, we possess the freedom to make our own decisions.

God's Invitation and Human Response

• 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."
• 1 Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

God extends the invitation of salvation, but it requires our response and acceptance. He also provides support and strength to resist temptations.

Responsibility for Our Choices

• John 1:12-13: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
• Deuteronomy 30:19-20: "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: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days."

We have the power to choose to believe in Christ and become children of God. Additionally, we are held accountable for the choices we make.

Temptation and the Role of Evil

• James 1:13-16: "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
• Galatians 5:16-17: "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
• 2 Timothy 2:26: "And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

While God does not tempt us with evil, temptations arise from our own desires and the influence of the devil. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can resist these temptations.

Salvation through Faith and Confession

• Romans 10:9-10: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Salvation is a gift from God, but it requires our personal faith and confession in Jesus Christ.

God's Ordained Purpose

• Psalms 37:23: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way."
• Mark 8:34: "And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

God has a plan for our lives, but it often involves self-denial and submitting to His will.

God's Desire for Universal Salvation

• 1 Timothy 2:4: "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

God desires that all people experience salvation and come to know Him.

Summary

The Bible teaches that humans do not possess free will in the sense of being able to independently choose Christ or make autonomous decisions. Instead, our desires and choices are predetermined by God's sovereign plan.

Implications

This understanding has profound implications:

• We cannot boast in our own salvation, as it is a gift from God.
• We are responsible for our actions, even though our desires and choices are predetermined by God.
• Our focus should be on cooperating with God's plan and submitting to His will.
• We should not judge others harshly, recognizing that their choices are also influenced by God's sovereignty.

Possible Rebuttals

• John 5:40: "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life" implies free will. However, this verse simply states that people's wills are opposed to God's, not that they could have made a different choice.
• Romans 10:8-9: "The word of faith" is a choice to believe in Christ. However, this verse clarifies that this "word of faith" is received from God, not originated by us.

The Bible consistently teaches that humans do not possess free will in the absolute sense. Our choices and desires are ordained by God, and our salvation is a gift from Him. This understanding should lead us to humility, gratitude, and a willingness to surrender our lives to His sovereign plan.

Key Points on Free Will in the Bible

• Divine Influence and Human Autonomy:
  • God guides our steps but allows us to choose our own paths. (Proverbs 16:9)
  • We can discern God's will and act accordingly. (John 7:17)
• God's Invitation and Human Response:
  • God offers salvation, which requires our acceptance. (Revelation 3:20)
  • God provides support in temptations, enabling us to resist them. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• Responsibility for Our Choices:
  • We have the power to believe and become children of God. (John 1:12-13)
  • We are given the choice between life and death. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
  • Adam and Eve had the freedom to choose obedience or disobedience. (Genesis 2:16-17)
• Temptation and the Role of Evil:
  • God does not tempt us, but evil does. (James 1:13-16)
  • By walking in the Spirit, we can resist the temptations of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16-17)
  • Those ensnared by the devil can recover their freedom through repentance. (2 Timothy 2:26)
• Salvation through Faith and Confession:
  • Salvation requires our confession of Jesus and belief in his resurrection. (Romans 10:9-10)
• God's Ordained Purpose:
  • God orders the steps of the righteous. (Psalms 37:23)
  • Following Jesus involves self-denial and taking up our cross. (Mark 8:34)
• God's Desire for Universal Salvation:
  • God wills for all people to be saved. (1 Timothy 2:4)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Bible teach that God gives us free will?

Yes, the Bible teaches that humans have the ability to make choices and are responsible for their actions. Passages such as Proverbs 16:9, John 7:17, and Deuteronomy 30:19-20 emphasize our freedom to choose between good and evil.

What is the role of divine influence in our choices?

God guides our steps and sets the boundaries of our lives (Proverbs 16:9), but He does not force us to choose one way or another. We have the responsibility to discern God's will and act accordingly (John 7:17).

How does God's invitation affect our free will?

God offers salvation to all people, but it is up to us to accept or reject His offer. We have the power to believe in Jesus and become children of God (John 1:12-13) or to resist His grace.

What about temptations? Do they affect our free will?

While God does not tempt us, evil does (James 1:13-16). However, God provides support in temptations, enabling us to resist them (1 Corinthians 10:13). By walking in the Spirit, we can overcome the temptations of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17).

How does salvation affect our free will?

Salvation is a gift from God, but it requires our acceptance (Revelation 3:20). When we believe in Jesus and confess our faith, we exercise our free will to accept God's offer of redemption.