Christians: Does the bible say we have freewill?

Question

and if it does then why do you constantly say when something bad happens that its god's will, or its part of god's great plan, or ill end up doing what god wants me too, etc.? Obviously the two contradict each other.

anyonymosity : dude it is impossible for us to have freewill and god to have a plan for us. god having a plan for us would equate to predestination (i.e having a destiny) which is the OPPOSITE of freewill.

km you dont need to be a dick, i just want to know what is up, freewill or not according to the bible,is this really such an arrogant question? that i want clarification on religious beliefs? all i hear is contractions and i find it convenient you didnt even answer the question. You sure like to judge people though.

Although there have been some good answers posted too, by christians trying to explain to me what the scriptures says and their personal interpretations.

Answer 1

I am not exactly sure if the Bible says " you do or do not have freewill" specifically. But I believe that we do not have freewill, and the definition of freewill is "lack of internal compulsions". it talks in Romans nine how every intentional act is predestined to happen by God, and how even the evil doers, are used to accomplish his plan. this is why we "End up doing what God wants anyway." I believe that bad things happen for a reason as well and that they are Gods plan for our life. We may not be able to see the reason and we may never be able to, but that does not mean it was not his plan. And any suffering we endure is Gods will, and it may not seem fair or just to us, but Paul says in Romans who is the clay to question the potter, I fully agree with this, who are you and I to question the creator of the universe, and our heavenly father? I encourage you to read, "The Christian view of Man", I cant remember the authors first name but his last name is Machen. Also Romans Chapter Nine, and parts of Hebrews.

Answer 2

The Bible says that we have a choice to choose life or death. (Deuteronomy 30:19) God gave Adam dominion over all of creation (Genesis 1). So technically Adam could do what he wanted as long as he obeyed God's one command. At the same time God controls the circumstance and consequences of our choices and actions. You can choose, but the outcome is always determined by God. But Christians have this assurance: all things happened for the good of those who love God and are called to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Read the Bible, it will actually answer a lot of your questions.

Answer 3

Made in God’s likeness, we have the ability to reflect his qualities, such as love, justice, wisdom, and power. God has also given us the gift of free will, or freedom of choice. This makes us unique among his earthly creation. We can choose whether we will follow God’s moral guidance or not. That is why the prophet Moses could say: “I do take the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you today, that I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the malediction; and you must choose life in order that you may keep alive, you and your offspring, by loving your God, by listening to his voice and by sticking to him.”—Deuteronomy 30:19, 20. Does this reflect that we have a choice? Wouldn't that be free will? God's plan was as it was created, a Paradise earth, for man to cultivate, to work over, to be over the creatures of the earth. It was due to their sin that they lost that for mankind. And because Satan placed the challenge before God as to who should man obey, it is why today we have the situations that plague mankind. It is because of freewill, with lack of knowledge, that mankind has made many mistakes. God told the Israelites in Leviticus that if only they would listen to his commandments they would have peace, and blessings. Because they did not, they put themselves into trouble with surrounding nations, worshipping false gods, committing immoral acts, thereby reaping the consequences of those choices.

Answer 4

Yes, the Bible does say God gives us free will. The freedom to make our own choices.

God already knows what you're going to do, and He uses that to make what He wants to happen in His plan.

It's very confusing. But mostly, you have to have faith, trust in Him, and believe that He has a plan for you. Pray to Him to give you guidance and wisdom. And if you are sincere, God will give you those things.

Answer 5

Our free will and God's will are two totally different things. We do have free will to do what we like, but God will always be in control. When something evil happens that's the work of Satan not God.

Answer 6

No it does not. God can bring good out of any chaos. He is not limited just to good situations. So the next time that you think that you have gotten the best of God, just remember, He knew just what you were going to do and has already prepared for it.

Answer 7

The entire premis of God's plan is free agency. We love to blame other people's bad decisions on God. Yes we all have free will. We are responsible for our own actions we are not lemmings.

Answer 8

The Bible shows numerous times where someone is given a choice. We do have free will... though God does have a plan, it is up to us to choose His plan or our own.

Answer 9

So what you are saying is that it would be impossible for God to create a world in which:

a. we have free will and
b. God's will is at work as well

just because your mind can't comprehend it? Now that is arrogant.

Answer 10

You are right.
That's why I don't say its God's will.
Many things happen by chance, or due to our own doing.
The problem with free will is there are consequences to our actions and many people prefer to blame God for the consequences, instead of placing it upon ourselves.