The Sovereignty of God and Free Will
How does free will operate within the sovereignty of God? Do we really have free agency, or is everything predestined? Perhaps, it’s something in between. Some believe God predetermined everything, including who would and would not be saved. Others hold the opposite view. What does the Bible have to say about it?
So, is it predestination, or do we decide? The answer is yes. “That doesn’t make sense.” Actually, it does. Let’s see how.
Predestination and Foreknowledge.
Romans 8:29-30 For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.
This passage of Scripture clarifies a great deal on the subject. Before focusing on the word, predestinate, focus on foreknow. First, what does it mean? It indicates what you’ve probably already concluded: it pertains to knowing someone or something ahead of time. However, it carries a deeper meaning, by which we find greater hope. Chiefly, favorable recognition or consideration beforehand. This one word alone shows that God’s sovereignty does not preclude (exclude) human will. Of course, it reveals God’s omniscience, and is not limited to time, just as He declares the ending from the beginning.
As a matter of fact, it reveals the immensity of His sovereignty in that He wove our free will into the fabric of His perfect plan for the universe. He knew the thoughts and intents of the heart, along with every action of each individual, before forming the first man from the dust of the ground, and breathing into him the breath of life. God knew every decision and choice we would ever make, before our birth! He invited everyone into His grace, and said yes to whosoever said yes, before they could even respond to His invitation.
Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Based on our decision, He predestined us to be holy and blameless in Jesus Christ. Just as our opening passage of Scripture declared, those whom He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to His image. Moreover, it was according to the good pleasure, or kind intentions of His will. His will included our redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according the riches of His grace He lavished upon us (see Ephesians 1:6-8).
Ephesians 1:11 In Whom (Jesus Christ) also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His Own will.
So, what does predestinate mean? To set bounds, determine, decree or ordain beforehand. It all precedes history. Think about this: the only way someone could be predestinated, is he or she agreed with God first. He did not demand, nor make anyone do anything against his or her will.
This reveals the greatness of His love for us, and being more particular, you. He could have said no to your yes; in fact, He could have not even offered His Precious Gift to you in the first place. He might not have called you, while calling everyone else. But He did not! You were included in His plan. Nevertheless, He did not force you into it. You had a choice in the matter. As a matter of fact, you still do. But do remember also, you were also accepted before your very first breath.
