> General Discussions
Does Having No Free Will Mean?
Dennis Vogel:
For want of a nail, the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe, the horse was lost.
For want of a horse, the rider was lost.
For want of a rider, the battle was lost.
For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost,
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
Benjamin Franklin
Even the smallest details can have extraordinary consequences.
Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
God has a plan and even small details could alter His plan. But that's not allowed.
Eph 1:4 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:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
God planned the end from the beginning. You cannot go against that plan. You have no free will.
Wanda:
Thanks for all the helpful replies everyone. I do not believe anyone has free will, and what will we do have is often in opposition to God's will. I can easily understand the chaos that would result if our will could over power God's will in our lives. I've seen this in the lives of family and friends when they allow their young children to decide what they want to do, regardless of the harm that does to the children and the family. I consider myself a young Child in this physical life and like a child I need direction and guidance to develop emotional and spiritual maturity.
Since learning no one has free will, and knowing God knows the end from the beginning, I would have been the very best parent my children could ever have, if I had that same ability. I could have prevented any harmful influences in their lives. Our Heavenly Father is the very best parent we could ever have, and we are blessed he is in control of every detail of our lives. As a parent this was all I ever wanted for my children, but God has planned something far greater than all my hopes and dreams could have ever accomplished.
Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Wanda:
--- Quote ---We should never try to improve on something in our lives, and instead wait for God to do it or not do it for us?"
1Ti 5:23 Drink no longer only water, but use a little wine on account of thy stomach and thy frequent illnesses.
--- End quote ---
Yes Dave, this was in line with what I had in mind. Thank you.
--- Quote ---That said, be mindful of your motives. Those will determine the intermediate outcome more-so than your will/plans. We have no genuine control of our "motives".
--- End quote ---
Yes, our motives are most important.
Proverbs 16
2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
Wanda:
--- Quote ---Choices/Decisions are not will but responses to causes. As far as will goes I think we should see it not as free will but captive will. Before we are converted we are in darkness and held captive:
Pro 5:22
An evil man is held captive by his own sins;
they are ropes that catch and hold him.
Act 8:23
for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.”
2Ti 2:26
and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
The illusion of free will is strong ,but we know that it is only in Christ that we are set free and are given the mind of Christ. it's a lifelong process that we join as one with Christ and his will becomes ours. I think the dumb decisions we continue to make are Gods plan in burning away all that remains of the flesh that we may walk in the spirit with joyful unity with our father and elder brother.
--- End quote ---
Thank you Rocco! Words of great truth.
Wanda:
--- Quote from: lareli on September 05, 2019, 05:50:01 PM ---
--- Quote from: Wanda on September 04, 2019, 04:02:56 PM ---Does having no free will mean
We should never try to improve on something in our lives, and instead wait for God to do it or not do it for us?
--- End quote ---
Whats the difference between us doing it and God doing it
--- End quote ---
There is no difference, if we consider even our desire to improve on something is influenced by God.
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