Free Will
Free will is the freedom of self-determination and action independent of external causes. It is the ability to make choices. A choice is free if it is consistent with a person's desires and nature. Free will is of two main types: compatibilistic and libertarian.
Compatibilism is the position that man's free will is restricted by his sinful nature, and as a result he can choose only what his sinful nature will allow him to choose, which means he will not choose God of his own free will because he is enslaved to sin. It also states that a person is only as free as his nature permits him to be free, and that his sinfulness prevents him from freely choosing God (1 Cor. 2:14; Rom. 3:10-12; Rom. 6:14-20).
Libertarian free will is the position that man's free will is not restricted by his sinful nature, in that he is not enslaved by sin so that he only chooses sinful things, and that he can freely choose to accept or reject God despite his enslavement to sin. It also states that an unsaved sinner is still able to freely choose God in spite of his sinful nature (John 3:16; 3:36).
Free will does not exist in strict materialism where the brain chemistry dictates outcome and free will is an illusion.
CARM.org
Compatibilism is the position that man's free will is restricted by his sinful nature, and as a result he can choose only what his sinful nature will allow him to choose, which means he will not choose God of his own free will because he is enslaved to sin. It also states that a person is only as free as his nature permits him to be free, and that his sinfulness prevents him from freely choosing God (1 Cor. 2:14; Rom. 3:10-12; Rom. 6:14-20).
Libertarian free will is the position that man's free will is not restricted by his sinful nature, in that he is not enslaved by sin so that he only chooses sinful things, and that he can freely choose to accept or reject God despite his enslavement to sin. It also states that an unsaved sinner is still able to freely choose God in spite of his sinful nature (John 3:16; 3:36).
Free will does not exist in strict materialism where the brain chemistry dictates outcome and free will is an illusion.
CARM.org
Why do you just put up definitions? You really don't say much on here that I can't find in a good dictionary. I also don't agree with your definitions of free will. God grants to everyone the right to choose do good or do evil. As much as I hate to say since I don't like atheists, they do at times do things that are good and unknown to them even Christ-like. Of course you cannot say that to them. I love poetry and if you remember I had some published under John Rohrbach. my mother's name. Goodwin is my father's name. Long story that's why I hyphenate my last name. This poem by William Ernest Henley. 1849–1903 is how I feel about Free Will:
ReplyDeleteOUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance 5
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade, 10
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate: 15
I am the captain of my soul.
Our free will ultimately defines you. A person's choices define them. We choose what happens to our self and choose to accept God or reject him. We choose to ask for his help or push on. That ultimately defines our fate. At camp you gave us all a copy a poem by Thomas Paine:
"Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us."
I know you think your boring and don't have much to say, but when you say something there are people listening. God wouldn't put you where you are if that wasn't so. You also said that if God did not honor free will he would destroy us all but he is giving everyone a chance to come to him. It's too bad you have changed your mind. Free will is not an illusion. Since God honors so we should as well. You inspired me to actively seek God and find the truth for myself. You inspired me to think about my actions because my actions define who I am. I miss that Ronn.