Can We Really Exercise Free Will?

[reneweddaybyday]

You're of course absolutely correct about the Joshua context. A command to make a choice is also included in Joshua24:15 and they made it per Joshua24:21-22.

I just submitted a post with more of the context ... and God made it quite clear that the Israelites served the Lord:

Joshua 24:31 And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.
.

 

[Blain]

excellent

I'll talk more later, but for now a closing thought,

The law of nature in the deep blue sea, for some creatures is to swarm together in order that they have more of a chance of survival, when predators are near

Should this how it should be for Christians

For Christians yes it should be

 

[cv5]

I have no idea what you're talking about with Luke 7.

Of course you don't. By my reckoning your record this flawlessly perfect in this regard on this thread. In other words your batting average is......zero. A remarkable achievement!

 

[cv5]

I actually expected that kind of reply from you.

You expected that I knew exactly what I was talking about? Well.......at least that's some kind of progress.

 

[Jordon]

For Christians yes it should be

good good

one of the other laws in nature is to kill life in the deep blue sea in order to survive for certain creatures including dolphins,.who on the service look cute and friendly.

What would be the reason God would allow that, if at all he does.

But not that I'm saying he does just that I'm saying if he does, so this is giving you the encouragement to answer hypothetically without any judgement of your nature. As hypothetically by nature does have a kind of innocence attached to it.

Could it be to maintain life in the oceans because the little fish are over populating and eating to much of the oceans precious resources, without any consideration for all of its other inhabitants.

Or could it be when it comes to the law of nature in the deep blue sea the lord lets it run wild.

Or is there another reason ?

Sorry for my question bro.

 

[Blain]

good good

one of the other laws in nature is to kill life in the deep blue sea in order to survive for certain creatures including dolphins,.who on the service look cute and friendly.

What would be the reason God would allow that, if at all he does.

But not that I'm saying he does just that I'm saying if he does, so this is giving you the encouragement to answer hypothetically without any judgement of your nature. As hypothetically by nature does have a kind of innocence attached to it.

Could it be to maintain life in the oceans because the little fish are over populating and eating to much of the oceans precious resources, without any consideration for all of its other inhabitants.

Or could it be when it comes to the law of nature in the deep blue sea the lord lets it run wild.

Or is there another reason ?

Sorry for.my question bro.

no worries your fine I don't mind answering questions. he lets nature run it's course yes but as for killing well I can only imagine he would allow it for self defense there are times when killing is the only way out of a bad situation especially if for instance the bad guy has a gun and a hostage

 

[reneweddaybyday]

For Christians yes it should be

Actually, Scripture tells us we are one body in the Lord Jesus Christ ... over which the Lord Jesus Christ is Head ...

1 Corinthians 1:9-10 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.


and Scripture tells us why there are divisions and schisms within the body of Christ ...

1 Corinthians 1:11-12 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

division occurs in the body of Christ when the believers stop following the Lord Jesus Christ and start following men ...


check out these verses:

Romans 15:5-6 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel

Philippians 2:1-3 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

1 Peter 3:8-12 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

 

[TruthDefender]

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?

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This tells me that we have free will, and can fall if we’re not careful. We can either listen to Him, or someone else…..

 

[Blain]

Actually, Scripture tells us we are one body in the Lord Jesus Christ ... over which the Lord Jesus Christ is Head ...

1 Corinthians 1:9-10 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.


and Scripture tells us why there are divisions and schisms within the body of Christ ...

1 Corinthians 1:11-12 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

division occurs in the body of Christ when the believers stop following the Lord Jesus Christ and start following men ...


check out these verses:

Romans 15:5-6 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel

Philippians 2:1-3 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

1 Peter 3:8-12 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

Yes you are absolutely correct well said

 

[Jordon]

no worries your fine I don't mind answering questions. he lets nature run it's course yes but as for killing well I can only imagine he would allow it for self defense there are times when killing is the only way out of a bad situation especially if for instance the bad guy has a gun and a hostage

ok bro well we know that in some situation the good cop would shoot a person in the leg first,.where as some cops would shoot people in the head.

Would he let nature run it corse in this occasion.

If i could of shot that person in the leg but chose to shoot him in the head

 

[Magenta]

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This tells me that we have free will, and can fall if we’re not careful. We can either listen to Him, or someone else…..

How do you see freedom in a yoke of bondage? Praise God if He has set you free.

The free will camp assumes, with no supporting text and contrary to many verses that evidence the opposite, that the man of flesh is free to choose, and will believe, that which he can neither receive nor comprehend, and to which he is inherently opposed with his heart of stone. There is simply no getting around the fact that this is the core of their belief, and it flies in the face of what Scripture actually teaches about the natural man who is a slave to sin and lover of darkness refusing to come into the light, blinded to truth and under the power and influence of Satan: he serves the law of sin which brings forth fruit unto death, not life. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit of God, his incurably wicked heart hates God, and hears the gospel message as foolishness. Praise the Lord if He has set you free!

 

[Genez]

How do you see freedom in a yoke of bondage? Praise God if He has set you free.

The free will camp assumes, with no supporting text and contrary to many verses that evidence the opposite, that the man of flesh is free to choose, and will believe, that which he can neither receive nor comprehend, and to which he is inherently opposed with his heart of stone. There is simply no getting around the fact that this is the core of their belief, and it flies in the face of what Scripture actually teaches about the natural man who is a slave to sin and lover of darkness refusing to come into the light, blinded to truth and under the power and influence of Satan: he serves the law of sin which brings forth fruit unto death, not life. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit of God, his incurably wicked heart hates God, and hears the gospel message as foolishness. Praise the Lord if He has set you free!

Man of the flesh is NOT free to choose.

Why do you keep making such a claim about those who understand the ways of God's grace?
It is only a straw man that you keep kicking up on stage while plugging your ears for the explanation.

 

[Genez]

Of course, you are! In your arrogant, prideful heart you pride yourself as being naturally humble by nature, don't you!? I bet you think you're more humble than Jesus Christ himself, don't you!? You truly have redefined what it means to be self-deceived!

Do you know what the word 'pompous' means?

 

[Magenta]

Man of the flesh is NOT free to choose.

Exactly. The rest of what you say is the opposite of the truth.

The free will claim is that the man without the indwelling Holy Spirit of God will choose to believe what
he is opposed to as a God hater. It is the core of what they promote, contrary to what Scripture actually says.

Otherwise, they are agreeing with us. And we know that ain't the truth.

I don't expect you to understand, though. They promote so much error it is ridiculous.

"Free will" in the Bible? ~ Freedom is something believers are called to (Galatians 5 verse 13). We need Jesus to “set us free” (Galatians 5 verse 1). If Jesus has not freed us from the bondage of sin, then we are still slaves to sin (Romans 6 verses 6-7). Freedom is found in the presence of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3 verse 17). Only Jesus can give us true freedom (John 8 verse 36). Only through His lovingkindness can we truly make choices unfettered by a nature that is inherently hostile toward God.

 

[Magenta]

Colossians 2 v 8, Romans 16 v 18, Romans 10 v 2, Proverbs 19 v 2a ~ See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. Zeal is no good without knowledge. They teach as doctrine the precepts of men.

 

[Magenta]

Many of them are Pelagian heretics. You must have missed a lot or you deliberately misrepresent like they do.

I would tend to believe you fit more in the latter category.

Pelagian heretics insist man is inherently good. From within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. Mark 7 verses 21-22 Every inclination of man's heart is evil from his youth. Genesis 8 verse 21b Who can bring out clean from unclean? No one! Job 14 verse 4 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Matthew 7 verse 18

 

[Magenta]

John 14 v 17a, Romans 8 v 6-9 ~ “Inability” in Bible. The world cannot receive the Spirit of truth. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. Praise be to God for calling me out of the world.

 

[Magenta]

Flesh serves the law of sin, for the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Because everyone born of God overcomes the world. In the mixed up unBiblical theology, of the free will crowd , man overcomes the world with his wicked heart and is then born again.

 

[Magenta]

It came to my attention recently that when the natural man who does not comprehend the gospel is mentioned, some (many more than one) of our free willers have no idea who that refers to! They are so busy ascribing to the natural man what only the spiritual man is capable of that they completely overlook what the Bible actually says of either of them. Overlook, contradict, and outright deny.

In 1 Cor 2 verse 14, the natural man, still unsaved, cannot comprehend the spiritual things of God. He does not understand Christ’s atoning sacrifice, for that is foolishness to him (1 Cor 1 verse 18). The Holy Spirit Himself must convict him of its reality, and of his standing before God (John 16 verses 7-11).So this natural man is unregenerated, one who does not have the Holy Spirit residing within him. As Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3 verse 6).

 

[Magenta]

2 Corinthians 4 v 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.