The Cost and Benefit of Free Will
We scream and fight about free choice, but don’t often consider the backdrop that is there with any of those decisions.
Matthew 7:21, states, "Not everyone that saith unto me, LORD, LORD, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven."
The Hebrew word for "WILL" depends on the context. Why? The Word used here would likely be the connection to be: desire, intent, or wish, the word is (ratson).
When referring to a TESTAMENT or last will, the word is (tsava'a). The Biblical word for "testament" is berith, which translates to "covenant" or "agreement". It signifies a binding agreement between two parties, often with legal and symbolic implications.
Matthew 7:21 emphasizes that simply claiming to be a follower of Christ is not enough for salvation; one must also actively obey GOD's will.
Once more, consider this… “Not everyone who says LORD, LORD will enter the kingdom.” With THAT, the realization of simply professing faith or being outwardly religious is not sufficient for Salvation. he wants and deserves more out of us.
”…but he that does the WILL of My Father” secures the notion that true faith involves ACTIVELY LIVING a life that pleases GOD!
Now that we have tossed that out into the open, what is the will of the Father? Let’s put into play these indefensible statements as if are agreeable:
1. Believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of GOD.
2. Obeying His Commandments and teachings.
3. Living a life that is pleasing to Him in “our” words, “our” thoughts, and “our” actions.
In a nutshell, doing the will of the Father, involves not just outward actions but also a transformed inner life, marked by love, humility, and obedience to GOD's Word.
OUR free will could easily be a belief that humans possess the capacity to make their own choices and decisions, independent (regardless) of life's struggles, situations, predetermined causes or external forces.
Could that alone be the foundational reasoning in not only religion (Biblical matters), but also philosophy and ethics? Even in all of these areas of 'choice', there will be significant implications for the decision made.
We 'humans' should understand that our morality decisions bares a certain level of responsibility. That responsibility will not be an excuse of the nature of humanity we wear.
The reality that we are accountable for our "free willing" choices should help us to understand a bit more clearly that excuses are worth zero.
The Bible highlights the IMPORTANCE of BOTH human free will and GOD's will, emphasizing that humans have the capacity to CHOOSE and that their choices IMPACT THEIR LIVES and RELATIONSHIP with GOD.
While GOD has a sovereign plan and a clear direction for humanity, He also grants individuals the freedom to make the choice (to disagree with Him and sin) or (to align their will with His and end up where His plan and Spirit leads them)
Our capacity for choice is a key distinction between humans and the rest of the created order.
GOD's will can (and MUST) be understood as His revealed Commands and Principles, as well as His sovereign governance and ultimate desires for creation.
Praying "according to GOD's will" can (and MUST) mean asking for things that align with GOD's intended action, whether it's His moral will (His standards of right and wrong) or His permissive will (what He allows to happen even though it's not His desire).
GOD's will is not always easy (for me) to understand, but the Bible encourages individuals to seek and understand His will through prayer, studying the Scriptures, and seeking guidance from others (being careful here).
Taking these next few Scriptures at face value could serve as dangerous, if I am trying to encourage thought and growth. With that in mind, consider these at face value.
1 Corinthians 10:23:
All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up.
Philippians 2:13:
...for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.
Deuteronomy 30:19:
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have placed before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants…
Joshua 24:15:
…But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Romans 6:16:
Do you not know that the one to whom you present yourselves as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of that same one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?