Predestined & Free Will

Predestined & Free Will

There has been a theological debate that has carried on for years. Has God pre chosen those who will spend eternity with Him even before they are born, or do we have free will to choose Him?

I offer this thought process. Throughout the Bible we are always given the choice to choose God or reject Him. Adam was placed in a perfect world and was given only one, “do not do.” Why?

Why did God give Adam an opportunity to choose Him or not? Here are my thoughts. 

God wants to have a love relationship with us. Since He does, our love for Him must be our choice as well. If God has already predetermined who will have a right relationship with Him regardless of an individual’s desire, then the choice has been removed. 

Because God is omniscient, He knows who will choose Him and who will not. Thus He has foreknowledge of everyone who will choose Him. This is not predetermined. It is our choice. 

My final point is found in the words of Hebrews 11:6. The writer says that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Why would God remove the need for faith if not having faith makes it impossible to please Him? If God is not pleased with you, then you are not in a right relationship with Him. Spend time today considering this. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 8:29-30

29 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. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified;those he justified, he also glorified.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 8:26-39; Psalms 18:37-50; Proverbs 19:27-29