Can We Really Exercise Free Will?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Jackson129 said:
So for the sake of argument I'll ask a question. If you turn from your wicked ways I will be with you? What does the if register in your head as meaning? What does it trigger as a thought?
Click to expand...
I will give you my answer, though I do not believe for a moment that we will agree.

I must confess that my immediate thought would be to believe that I must turn from my wicked ways to be with God. However, that statement, by itself, does not mean that fallen man has the ability/desire within himself to accomplish the act.
On the other hand, if God renews man back to the way that he was intended to be, then the ability is restored and he will turn from his wicked ways.
Our problem is so severe that without a Savior this cannot happen. That Savior comes in the form of the Father, Son and Spirit.
The restoration is given to His ELECT only. If it were provided to everyone, then all would be saved! And even when given this wonderful gift, man will continue to battle with the old man until He returns. But, we are forgiven in Christ and delivered without spot to the Father.

These are my thoughts only!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rufus
BillyBob said:
I will give you my answer, though I do not believe for a moment that we will agree.

I must confess that my immediate thought would be to believe that I must turn from my wicked ways to be with God. However, that statement, by itself, does not mean that fallen man has the ability/desire within himself to accomplish the act.
On the other hand, if God renews man back to the way that he was intended to be, then the ability is restored and he will turn from his wicked ways.
Our problem is so severe that without a Savior this cannot happen. That Savior comes in the form of the Father, Son and Spirit.
The restoration is given to His ELECT only. If it were provided to everyone, then all would be saved! And even when given this wonderful gift, man will continue to battle with the old man until He returns. But, we are forgiven in Christ and delivered without spot to the Father.

These are my thoughts only!
Click to expand...

That is the problem I have.

1) If you turn from your wicked ways I will be with you
2) if I restore you then you will turn from your wicked ways.

I cannot get one from the other they are so far apart in thier meanings. That if either one was ment that is how they would be wrote. There is no grey mixed areas between those two statements.
 
Jackson129 said:
That is the problem I have.

1) If you turn from your wicked ways I will be with you
2) if I restore you then you will turn from your wicked ways.

I cannot get one from the other they are so far apart in thier meanings. That if either one was ment that is how they would be wrote. There is no grey mixed areas between those two statements.
Click to expand...
I agree that it is difficult to understand. However, God's thoughts are not our thoughts, and I cannot see another way given man's total and complete corruption. . . .
Magenta said:
10 months? .:unsure::giggle:
Click to expand...
Thanks for the memories. . . . :cautious:
 
BillyBob said:
I agree that it is difficult to understand. However, God's thoughts are not our thoughts, and I cannot see another way given man's total and complete corruption. . . .

Thanks for the memories. . . . :cautious:
Click to expand...
Boy, I really messed that up! I'm replying to two different people concerning two different subjects
 
LifelongLearner said:
Many have probably realised i don't think we can exercise free will, even think it's impossible for us to. Won't explain why i think it's an impossiblility for us yet, think it's useful for some to express why they think it exists first.

I have no doubt we have and can make choices throughout life, however, think our options are far more restricted than most realise. What do you think?
Click to expand...
Proverbs 16:9
 
Job1-21b-13-15anns.png

Job 1 v 21b; 13 v 15a The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Though He slay me, yet I will trust Him.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cameron143
the_seeker said:
What do you mean ?
Click to expand...
The righteousness of God requires that sin is paid for. The wages of sin is death. God, to be righteous, must punish sin by death. God cannot arbitrarily forgive sin. He can only forgive sins that have been paid for. This is the reason Jesus needed to suffer and die in our place. The righteousness of God necessitates this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Genez
Cameron143 said:
The righteousness of God requires that sin is paid for. The wages of sin is death. God, to be righteous, must punish sin by death. God cannot arbitrarily forgive sin. He can only forgive sins that have been paid for. This is the reason Jesus needed to suffer and die in our place. The righteousness of God necessitates this.
Click to expand...

OK, seen that. Standard christian dogmatix from you I see. But you did not really answer my original question which was:
"Can a good God send people into eternal punishment ?"

Please try again. I am waiting.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back