Romans 7:15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
Understanding Free Will and Predestination Through Scripture, Not Through Theology
Many believers debate whether free will exists or not. As followers of Christ we are called to be mature in our spiritual understanding, and spiritual maturity allows us to read between the lines of scripture. Between those lines — and in life in general — we recognize that every day is filled with options: to sin or not to sin, to obey or be disobedient.
Possibly, the confusion for many comes from the doctrines of being chosen and predestined. Romans 8:29 declares: “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.” But does this mean that God has made our choices for us? Or does it mean that our all-knowing God can fulfill His will for us despite our mistakes and bad decisions—as long as we choose to answer His call? We must consider Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Although isolated by early theologians such as John Calvin and Jacobus Arminius, the doctrines of being chosen and predestined were never meant to stand apart from the core truths of the Gospel—that salvation comes by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, and that although we are to follow His example to live by, God has given us freedom to choose how we live.
Should theological interpretations lead us to the belief that being chosen and predestined negates the freedom that God has given us? Perhaps such arguments are why the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to warn us against being distracted by “philosophy and vain deceit” (Colossians 2:8). When we choose to let human reasoning interpret Scripture rather than let Scripture form our human reasoning, confusion is inevitable.
Options and Free Will: Key Differences Between Angels and Mankind
It’s clear from the first two humans that God created—Adam and Eve—that free will was a part of the human design. God did not plant the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil to tempt them, but because love, or the lack of it, can only be expressed through obedience or disobedience. Mankind is not the only part of God’s creation that demonstrates choice. Lucifer and the third of the angels cast out of heaven had the option to honor God or themselves—and they chose themselves. The sons of God, often called Watchers, did not have to take the women of earth as wives, yet they did, and the Nephilim were born—a chain of events that ultimately led to the flood.
But having options and free will are not the same in God’s eyes. The angels, like mankind, have options when making decisions, but unlike mankind, angels do not have the gift of free will—and this difference is reflected in God’s forgiveness of sin. To understand these key distinctions, we must look into some lesser-quoted Scriptures—these passages are often overlooked but are essential to understanding free will.
Other than Jesus Christ himself, Job may be the most referenced person in the Bible. But the Holy Spirit inspired his friend Eliphaz to reveal something fascinating about God’s thoughts toward the angels. In Job 4:18 he says, “Behold, He put no trust in His servants; and His angels He charged with folly.” And in Job 15:15 he adds, “Look, God does not even trust the angels. Even the heavens are not absolutely pure in His sight.” Scripture teaches that God created angels to serve Him, carry out His will, and to worship Him. But when they choose to rebel, their judgment comes swiftly—and punishment remains unchanged.
Not only did Lucifer and his cohorts receive swift judgment for their rebellion, but other angels who sinned against God did as well. Jude tells us in verse 6 of his Epistle, “And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.” God does not give His angels the option to repent. There is no path to redemption for His heavenly servants, as there is for God’s earthly children.
Free Will is a Philosophy
Perhaps the simplest and most effective way to explain the idea of free will is this: humans can repent, but do not have to. We can be redeemed and our sins forgiven if we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, but we do not have to. The way in which each of us uses our free will determines if we spend eternity in heaven in the presence of God, or in the lake of fire reserved for those who choose to reject Him, along with the angels who chose the same.
But even with an understanding of the idea of free will there is one major fact that stands above all others: the term is not used in the Bible—it is not scriptural. This is likely why so many people wrestle with understanding and explaining free will in accordance with God’s plan for His children. And once again we are reminded of the words of Paul in Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”
The idea of free will began to take shape in second-century Christianity, most notably through the Greek philosopher Justin Martyr and Greek bishop and theologian, Irenaeus. Martyr held the position that God created humans with reason and the ability to choose between good and evil — but is that truly different from the angels who chose to defy God? Irenaeus held a completely different position: he believed that because humans are created in God’s image, they possess free will, and that true love must be freely given — but which of God’s creations did He not create with love? We must not mistake God’s creation disappointing or rejecting Him as lack of love on His part—God is love (1 John 4:8).
The Gift and Curse of Free Will
Being made in God’s image comes with responsibility—both individually and collectively. We are to see the image of God in everyone, including ourselves. But because we are an imperfect creation with a range of God-given emotions—and limitations—this is easier said than done. We are also subject to evil entities in the spiritual realm, as seen with Adam and Eve, Cain, the Israelites in the wilderness, and even Job. Paul confirms this in Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
God knows that our struggle between good and evil is purely our own, nor one we can easily control. Yet the godly attributes He has given each of us, His Word to teach us, and the example set by Jesus Christ mean we can overcome evil with good. Free will only matters to our place in eternity when we freely choose to reciprocate God’s love and accept His free gift of redemption. Debating whether we have free will or not distracts from what God wants us to learn through His Word, and diminishes the Gospel by placing the focus on our own efforts—actions that were abolished with the law.
Free will can be a gift or a curse depending on the motive behind the practice of it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 shows how deeply God understands and cares for each of His children: “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” God will not force any of us to do His will—or even to believe in Him. Ultimately, each of us decides this for ourselves. Perhaps that is the true meaning of free will.
Scriptures That Express the Idea of Free Will
Deuteronomy 30:19
“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.”
1 Corinthians 10:23
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.”
Galatians 5:13
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”
Proverbs 11:5
“The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.”
John 8:12
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
A Prayer That Chooses Obedience to God
Father God in Heaven, out of Your abundant love You gave me the choice to be obedient or disobedient. You gave me commands that lead to peace and prosperity when I follow them, yet You never demanded anything of me. And although I have often chosen to honor my flesh over You, I now seek to freely reciprocate the love You have shown me. Just as Your Son was obedient to Your will so that I may live, I choose obedience so that I may abide eternally with Him. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Trinitarian Benediction
May you find in your heart the freedom that God has given you.
May you accept the freedom from the bondage of sin through the Lord Jesus Christ.
And may the Holy Spirit free your spirit from your flesh.