Featured Do We Have Free-Will?

All the verses apply to God's chosen people. Steve, context matters.

 

So Calvinist accept we have free will, but we cannot use it...

Once we use it, it is called works? Nope, changing the definition of free will.

We cannot choose salvation, because it is against our will? Nope, changing the definition again. Changing one's mind, is not an act of free will, nor going against one's nature. Being able to change one's mind is a natural ability apart from free will.

Part of the issue is you cannot define the Bible with a doctrine. A doctrine is just another interpretation. There are tons of doctrines that stand on their own. Reformed theology twist 5 doctrines so they complement each other. Some of them cannot even stand on their own, without being propped up by a few others. But because they work as a group, their ability to stand on their own is swept under the rug, and the deception runs very deep under that rug.


The biggest issue is determinism. Because that is the definition reformed theology gives to election and predestination. There is no determinism in election nor predestination. Without knowing it, or even admitting the fact, reformed theology has been mixed with the pagan belief of fate and determinism, thus turning Salvation and the Atonement into a false theology of paganism. It is so ingrained into the teaching process, that all scripture just has to prove determinism, but that is a lie from Satan, just like Satan lied to Eve. The tree does not make one wise. God does not use pagan determinism in Salvation. The Atonement was for all of Adam's descendants. All of Adam's descendants are free to accept or reject Salvation. Yes, our will, flesh, desires, sin, Satan, and spiritual darkness is all working against us. The Holy Spirit since conception has sealed us and has been working in our favor. Nothing we can do can change our situation. We do have free will to choose. We can change our minds, and willingly. The Holy Spirit is the only power that can change our mind and will, but we can and do have free will to make a decision. Trusting God is the same free will choice that Adam had. After our choice and before does happen by all God's power and ability.

The difference is reformed theology adds the pagan notion that, either fate or determinism makes the choice for us and not ourselves. Of course they cannot use Scripture to point that out, because God’s Word does not teach pagan belief, but that is what they change the definition of free will to. Then claim free will manipulates God. Nope, pagan fate and determinism manipulates God. Satan's deception runs deep.

 

Miss E,

Free will does not exist at all.
Men have a will.
Men make choices.
Their will is not free.
That is a carnal philosophical notion, not biblical teaching.

 

Nope, pagan carnal philosophy claims there is no free will, just like you just did. You are arguing for paganism and human philosophy, not against them.

God gave all humans free will, and it is not limited. Humans themselves have limits, even limits to their will. Those limits do not effect free will, as you all are just changing the definition of free will, to make your limits logical. Stop changing the definition and free will works just fine without all those scary limits. Those limits do belong to will and human nature. If you want to get really illogical, the sky may not even be the limit.

 

You cannot show one verse that says free will in terms of mans will. You cannot show any verses that teach it....you will offer verses that say ...choose, but that does not address the will.

 

We always choose for a reason. But God controls our free choices through the reasons we base them on.

London Baptist Confession; Westminster Confession:Chapter 3:1 God's Eternal Decree;

“God, from all eternity, did—by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will—freely and unchangeably ordain whatever comes to pass. Yet he ordered all things in such a way that he is not the author of sin, nor does he force his creatures to act against their wills; neither is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.”

 

Steven,
I've thought about how I would reply to your post here, and I've decided to make this my last reply in this thread.

This is the "Baptist theology and Bible Study" section...
As one who in convinced of the merits and truthfulness of the London Baptist Confession of 1644/46, I see no reason to limit my participation nor the offering of my thoughts about specific subjects to one section or another on a board that is dedicated to Baptists.

I believe and hold to Baptist distinctives, such as "believer's baptism", the autonomy of the local assembly and many others.
Unless the owner of this board or its admins mandates that "Calvinistic Baptists" are not allowed to voice their opinions of how the Lord accomplishes the salvation of souls outside of the "Calvinism versus Arminianism" section ( which is open to non-"Baptists" as well ), then I will continue to offer my thoughts in the other Baptist sections of this board, should I feel compelled to write them.

@Miss E asked a question, and I answered it to the best of my conscience.
If you find that offensive, then I am sorry for the offense...
But I am not sorry for how I view the Scriptures nor am I sorry about voicing those thoughts.

As always, I wish you well, sir, and may the Lord bless you with many gifts and remind you of His great grace towards you each and every day.

 

Free will = making choices?

Since I’m waiting for my food and have some time to argue semantics, what is a your definition of free-will and it’s relation to making choices?

 

Your will is bound by your nature.
A Holy God is not free to sin.
In heaven saints are not free to sin.

 

You missed the question - relation between free-will and making choices . . .

 

By the way - that isn’t even a definition.

 

I spoke out of frustration. I'm sorry if I offended. Thank you for a kind reply.

 

Concerning human will and making choices. The human will is influenced by many things outside of itself. Therefore, human will cannot be said to be free. Ultimately, a person will choose the thing they desire the most, according to the various influences that affect the will.

Concerning human will and choosing spiritual things, such as choosing Jesus as Savior and Lord. The human will is so influenced by worldly things, especially its own sin nature, it is incapable of desiring Spiritual things, including choosing Jesus for salvation, unless God Holy Spirit intervenes in that persons life.

Holy Spirit intervention is called many things: conviction, nudging, drawing and others.

Almost all acknowledge the essential element of Holy Spirit intervention in the salvation process, but differ on how much influence is given and whether all receive the same amount of Holy Spirit influence.

Peace to you

 

Free will does not exist so there is no relation between it and choices.
If you are just going to invent things you can suggest anything you want, as it is only fabricated .

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.

Freed from sins dominion, we are never free to sin.

 

Free-will is a made-up term which doesn't really exist and humans can make choices.

I can agree with that.

 

The term is made up.
God is not free to lie.
God cannot change.
If God is not free to go against His own nature which is perfect in Holy wisdom, knowledge, and power....no one can.
Satan and carnal philosophers invent the term as the pinnacle of rebellion against God.
lk19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

 

Taint so

 

I have come to the conclusion that “FREE WIILL” for a human has as many definitions as people offering same!!!
IMHO, if man did not have a CHOICE whether to accept or reject Jesus’ sacrifice, then Jn. 3:16 is null & void. “- - WHOSOEVER WILL - -” is the operative phrase to the scope of His sacrifice. It was not “whosoever I choose - -“. But “WHOSOEVER WILL”!!
Now if you want to get into a semantic tussle, there are all kinds of rabbit trails to explore, but I think the OP was referring to a man’s choice to ACCEPT/ REJECT God’s offer of salvation. Really has nothing to do with whether I can flap my arms and fly!
My apologies if I have misinterpreted the OP.