SOVEREIGNTY & FREE WILL

Can We Understand

Many teachings are the basis of division amongst believers. As we Pray for Unity in the Church we need to be comfortable with no conclusion on some of our dearly held theological positions.

PREDESTINATION

The belief that God has already determined who will be saved and that he has a specific plan for everyone.

The question is exactly how much control do people have over their own salvation and eternal destinies.

FREE WILL Suggests that individuals are capable of making choices that are not predetermined by God or any other force. This means people can choose their actions, such as whether to do good or bad, and whether to believe in God or not.

THREE THEOLOGICAL VIEWS

1. Calvinism

This theological perspective, based on the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizes God's sovereignty and predestination. Calvinists believe that God's will is ultimately decisive in the salvation of individuals, but they also affirm that human choices are real and meaningful, even if they are part of God's sovereign plan. Human choice is already known by God and he causes us to accept Him.

2. Arminianism

In contrast to Calvinism, Arminianism, based on the teachings of Jacobus Arminius, emphasizes free will. Arminians believe that God’s grace enables human beings to choose or reject salvation, allowing for genuine free will within God’s plan.

1. Molinism

This view attempts to reconcile God's sovereignty and human free will. Molinists believe that God has middle knowledge, meaning He knows all possible outcomes and scenarios, including human choices, and His plan incorporates these choices without overriding free will. It can be said that God knows but he doesn’t cause.

THE COMPLEX QUESTION

The relationship between free will and predestination are difficult to understand. Christian traditions have let them become a major source of division within the Family of God. Many Denominations were formed out of the conflict. The Body of Christ is not connected. The Believers in His Church are not working harmoniously together.

In the light of John 17 Jesus prayed that they may be one as the Father and I are one. It would seem he foreknew that the Body of Christ would divide over simple issues like this. We have to face the reality that the Body of Christ must have Faith in God and then trust one another to find the Ways of God.

CONCLUSION

-PREDESTINATION-

-FREE WILL-

The Tension & Potential Error

-Each view can be

found in the scripture

-The Pride of man wants

the validation that their

understanding is correct.

-No one sees it all

-We must repent of our pride

There are many other Biblical Tensions that ultimately require faith.

These three are huge:

-Calvinism

-Arminianism

-Molinism

Biblical positions that have no definitive conclusion require Faith. Trust has to be the final resting place for our limited understanding.

Some Verses: (to meditate on)

(Sovereignty) Ephesians 1:4-5

4 For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love 5 He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.

(Free Will) Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose life, so that you and your descendants may live

FINAL THOUGHT

ALL THEOLOGY MUST BE

BUILT ON WHAT WE

UNDERSTAND ABOUT

THE NATURE OF

GOD AS HE WORKS

IN THE HEART

OF MAN

2 Peter 3:9

God is patient and does not want anyone to perish, but instead wants everyone to have eternal life.