When you begin your relationship with the Lord (if you didn't already have one) is it not free will that allows you to welcome the Lord into your heart? Or is it that God chose your already and no matter what this was predestined to happen? I just feel every person is given the same opportunity to be with the Lord, but it is our free will that allows us to choose. Without free will it would not be a true love, needing and longing for the Lord, would it? I have recently been told that I'm wrong in thinking this. I would like to know others opinions and if possible, scripture to back up your answer. Thank you for answering!
2007-03-09 02:29:25 · 17 answers · asked by bobbi 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, it is your choice to decide to follow the path of the Lord. He doesn't force anybody to do anything. You do it because you love God so much that you want to follow Him. It's is everybody's free will and choice. You can't follow what everybody says; sometimes they don't really know themselves.
I would like to suggest that you read the entire book of Proverbs. It was written to teach people how to live; how to act in every circumstance. I read the Living Bible version because it tell it so everybody can understand what it means. You can compare the different translations if you wish. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. It was suggested to me to read one chapter every day. Some months have 31 days. Of course you can read other books of the bible along the way. But, Proverbs is a good place to get a good background of how to live life. After you have read all of Proverbs, start the next month at the beginning again and again. Each time you read it; you will learn more and more. It is so powerful with the things we should know. Check it out for yourself.
It is God desire for all of us to follow Him. But, that just doesn't happen. I've heard people say that there isn't a God; that it's just a fairy tale. I feel really sorry for them because they have no idea what they are missing. That's where the free choice comes in.
You are not wrong in your thinking. We have to ask Jesus to come into our heart. We accept it, freely. I hope I helped you with my comments.
Stay on the right path. God Bless You.
2007-03-09 04:22:31 · answer #1 · answered by Barbra 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My choice to follow God was exactly that - a choice. I chose for most of my life to follow myself and rely on myself. I had a good life that way. Since I've decided to follow God and not myself, I have a life better than I ever knew possible! Not that I have material possessions... but have the peace that comes from knowing how much I'm loved realizing that this life is only temporary so possessions are just things I'm borrowing. I do think the Lord calls His people to Him, but many decide not to go and He knows who will ultimately make that choice. For some, it's just not the right time. For others, it's outright denial for life. Either way, I believe our Lord is loving and will give to each of us what we ask for!
John 10:14-16
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."
Notice Jesus says He has OTHER sheep, and they WILL listen to His voice. I think this ties right into the fact that those who are called will follow... maybe just not at the timing we think - it might not be until they are old and gray!
2007-03-09 02:58:00 · answer #2 · answered by Cool Dad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, Free Will don't exist only a limited selection between choices. What I mean is, Free Will must follow all natural physical laws. For example: Can a person will themselves to fly without an airplane? They can make a choice to purchase a ticket on an airline and can not just Will themselves into flight like a bird.
2007-03-09 03:00:05 · answer #3 · answered by MoPleasure4U 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you can also look at it from the angle of God knowing Bobbi from before the foundations of the world were laid, writing your name in the Book of Life before you ever knew about it, calling you specifically out of all the others that are left in their sins, working in your heart, saving you with a promise to hold you in the palm of his hand and bring you to everlasting life with him. How is that a bad thing? Did you need to have a choice for a Heavenly Father that already loved you and brought you to Himself as His own? Give the glory to Him for it, and count yourself blessed. You didn't deserve anything in the first place, and you can't claim power over Him through a choice. Just love Him for saving you from the sin that had hold of you before.
2007-03-10 08:26:14 · answer #4 · answered by ccrider 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah, it God chose us to live and gave us the free will to either be with Him or not. We were predestined to choose, destiny is something you can change through our choices. An evil man can change His life because he chooses to and thus avoids the destiny of doom which awaited him.
2007-03-10 04:49:10 · answer #5 · answered by <Xariel the Stray> 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a tricky concept. Since God knows all, he already knows what choice we will make, so yes, in a way, we are predestined.
2007-03-09 02:33:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He gave everyone the free will to choose who they worship, if at all. However, free will always comes with consequences, but I've also been told that before he judges he gives another chance to accept him as our father/savior.
2007-03-09 02:34:30 · answer #7 · answered by 81 Honda 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, most definitely. If you want proof, the Lord said, "my grace is sufficient for you" This means that you can overcome any temptation, or adversity which comes your way in the journey of life by means of his help.He is with us till the end of time.
2007-03-09 02:36:04 · answer #8 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Free will obviously exists based on the number of belief systems. No one can tell you that free will does not exist and if they try they are fools. We do not know for sure that predestination exists or that it exists for everyone.
JUST
2007-03-09 02:34:11 · answer #9 · answered by Just Another Girl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am assuming you mean Christianity - free will allows you to choose that path - but you give up free will to remain on it.
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2007-03-09 02:32:34 · answer #10 · answered by abetterfate 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋