Predestination is misunderstood...
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So you want a definition on free will @Rufus?
In Christian theology, free will is the capacity granted by God to individuals to make choices voluntarily and independently. This ability allows humans to decide between various options without external coercion. The concept of free will is crucial in understanding human responsibility, accountability, and the relationship between individuals and God.
Hebrew Perspective:
חָפְשִׁיות (ḥofshiut): This Hebrew term conveys the idea of freedom or liberty, reflecting the ability to make choices without constraint
Greek Perspective:
ἐλευθερία (eleutheria): In Greek, this term refers to freedom or liberty, emphasizing the capacity to act or choose without being compelled
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Rabbinical Writings: Just allow me for a moment-I am aware "rabbinical writings" is not well accepted-
Rabbinical writings discuss free will extensively, emphasizing human responsibility for choices and actions. The Mishnah compares the world to a vestibule before the World to Come, highlighting the significance of human decisions in shaping one's destiny
Jewish philosophy delves into the purpose of God's creation and the paradox of free will. It explores how individuals have the freedom to choose between alternatives and how this choice impacts their spiritual journey
In Christian theology, free will plays a vital role in salvation, moral decision-making, and the relationship between God and humanity. While debates exist regarding the extent of human autonomy in light of divine sovereignty, free will remains a foundational concept in understanding human agency and accountability before God.
Shalom
J.
In Christian theology, free will is the capacity granted by God to individuals to make choices voluntarily and independently. This ability allows humans to decide between various options without external coercion. The concept of free will is crucial in understanding human responsibility, accountability, and the relationship between individuals and God.
Hebrew Perspective:
חָפְשִׁיות (ḥofshiut): This Hebrew term conveys the idea of freedom or liberty, reflecting the ability to make choices without constraint
Greek Perspective:
ἐλευθερία (eleutheria): In Greek, this term refers to freedom or liberty, emphasizing the capacity to act or choose without being compelled
4
.
Rabbinical Writings: Just allow me for a moment-I am aware "rabbinical writings" is not well accepted-
Rabbinical writings discuss free will extensively, emphasizing human responsibility for choices and actions. The Mishnah compares the world to a vestibule before the World to Come, highlighting the significance of human decisions in shaping one's destiny
Jewish philosophy delves into the purpose of God's creation and the paradox of free will. It explores how individuals have the freedom to choose between alternatives and how this choice impacts their spiritual journey
In Christian theology, free will plays a vital role in salvation, moral decision-making, and the relationship between God and humanity. While debates exist regarding the extent of human autonomy in light of divine sovereignty, free will remains a foundational concept in understanding human agency and accountability before God.
Shalom
J.
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you missed out that, when your blessed with faith your free will changes in line with the spirits free will.
Because other wise your free will, will still deny why your free will needs to blessed with the will of the holy spirit.
One of the fruits is call will power ( self control)
Before you are blessed with the fruits if the spirit, the self control you had ( free will) was taking you to hell.
Because other wise your free will, will still deny why your free will needs to blessed with the will of the holy spirit.
One of the fruits is call will power ( self control)
Before you are blessed with the fruits if the spirit, the self control you had ( free will) was taking you to hell.
Good, honest, thoughtful reply. Thank you, brother.
For example, even though we are now a redeemed people of God, scripture still talks of future redemption, i.e. our bodies. Salvation had a starting point for each of us, presently continues in and through us, and will finally be consummated in the future at the end of the age. But even so...if faith preceded regeneration, then why doesn't scripture always express this truth in the future tense instead of the present tense? What the bible is saying is that whoever now believes now has eternal life, and such passages are very reassuring.
And kudos to you for getting some of the answer to the question I posed about Nicodemus with respect to why Jesus chided him. I would encourage you, though, to read Ezek 36 and 37 for a more complete picture. And take particular note of some of the language in chapter 37 -- upon which Jesus seemed to draw upon, such as "wind". And we should pay close attention to these metaphors because who us controls the wind. And then after you meditate some on those two chapters, then revisit John 3.
P.S. Since you rightly mentioned spiritual death as "separation from God", I would give you more things to ponder regarding this separation. When Adam was unceremoniously ejected from the Garden, was he able to return to God's temple (which the Garden really was) or was he locked out? And secondly, I would remind you of the story of the rich man and Lazarus who lived and died in the OT economy. Both were sent to their compartments in Sheol. In Lararus' case, he was in comfort in "Abraham's bosom", while in the rich man's case he was in torment in the flames. And neither could cross over from one realm to the other. No mere mortal could bridge that gap. It took nothing less than God in the flesh to stand in those gaps!
PPS: Almost forgot. When I find some time, I think I can nail down my position on regeneration and faith with a relatively short expo on Eph 2. I think Paul in this chapter nails it perfectly.
For example, even though we are now a redeemed people of God, scripture still talks of future redemption, i.e. our bodies. Salvation had a starting point for each of us, presently continues in and through us, and will finally be consummated in the future at the end of the age. But even so...if faith preceded regeneration, then why doesn't scripture always express this truth in the future tense instead of the present tense? What the bible is saying is that whoever now believes now has eternal life, and such passages are very reassuring.
And kudos to you for getting some of the answer to the question I posed about Nicodemus with respect to why Jesus chided him. I would encourage you, though, to read Ezek 36 and 37 for a more complete picture. And take particular note of some of the language in chapter 37 -- upon which Jesus seemed to draw upon, such as "wind". And we should pay close attention to these metaphors because who us controls the wind. And then after you meditate some on those two chapters, then revisit John 3.
P.S. Since you rightly mentioned spiritual death as "separation from God", I would give you more things to ponder regarding this separation. When Adam was unceremoniously ejected from the Garden, was he able to return to God's temple (which the Garden really was) or was he locked out? And secondly, I would remind you of the story of the rich man and Lazarus who lived and died in the OT economy. Both were sent to their compartments in Sheol. In Lararus' case, he was in comfort in "Abraham's bosom", while in the rich man's case he was in torment in the flames. And neither could cross over from one realm to the other. No mere mortal could bridge that gap. It took nothing less than God in the flesh to stand in those gaps!
PPS: Almost forgot. When I find some time, I think I can nail down my position on regeneration and faith with a relatively short expo on Eph 2. I think Paul in this chapter nails it perfectly.
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