Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Freewill, in the context of the Bible, refers to the ability of human beings to make choices that are not predetermined by divine forces. It is the capacity to choose between different possible courses of action unimpeded. This concept is foundational to understanding human responsibility, moral accountability, and the nature of sin and redemption in Christian theology. Biblical Basis The concept of freewill is implicitly woven throughout the Scriptures, beginning with the creation narrative. In Genesis 2:16-17 , God commands Adam, "You may eat freely from every tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die." This command implies that Adam and Eve had the freedom to choose obedience or disobedience. Old Testament References The Old Testament frequently presents the idea of choice and the consequences of those choices. In Deuteronomy 30:19 , Moses exhorts the Israelites, "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live." This passage underscores the importance of human choice in aligning with God's will. The concept of freewill offerings is also significant in the Old Testament. These offerings were voluntary and given out of one's own volition, as seen in Leviticus 22:18 : "Speak to Aaron and his sons and all the Israelites and say to them: If any of you—whether an Israelite or a foreigner residing in Israel—presents a gift for a burnt offering to the LORD, either to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering..." New Testament Insights In the New Testament, the theme of freewill is evident in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus often called individuals to follow Him, implying a choice. In Matthew 16:24 , Jesus says, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." This invitation to discipleship is a call to exercise freewill in choosing to follow Christ. The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of freewill in his epistles. In Romans 6:16 , he writes, "Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?" Here, Paul emphasizes the role of human choice in determining one's spiritual allegiance. Theological Implications The doctrine of freewill is crucial for understanding the nature of sin and salvation. It posits that humans are morally responsible for their actions and that sin is a result of choosing contrary to God's will. This responsibility is balanced by the grace of God, who offers redemption through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." While salvation is a gift, the acceptance of this gift involves a freewill decision to believe and trust in Christ. Philosophical Considerations The interplay between divine sovereignty and human freewill has been a topic of theological debate throughout church history. While the Bible affirms God's sovereign will, it also upholds human responsibility. Proverbs 16:9 reflects this tension: "A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This verse suggests that while humans make plans, God's ultimate purpose prevails. Practical Application Understanding freewill has practical implications for Christian living. It encourages believers to make choices that align with God's will, knowing that they are accountable for their actions. It also fosters a sense of humility and dependence on God's grace, recognizing that while humans have the freedom to choose, it is only through God's enabling power that they can live righteously. Conclusion The concept of freewill is integral to the biblical narrative and Christian theology. It underscores the importance of human choice in the context of divine sovereignty and grace, shaping the believer's understanding of moral responsibility and the path to salvation. Easton's Bible Dictionary Free-will offeringA spontaneous gift (Exodus 35:29), a voluntary sacrifice (Leviticus 22:23; Ezra 3:5), as opposed to one in consequence of a vow, or in expiation of some offence. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) of or pertaining to free will; voluntary; spontaneous; as, a freewill offering.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FREEWILL OFFERINGfre'-wil of'-er-ing. See SACRIFICE. Strong's Hebrew 5071. nedabah -- voluntariness, freewill offering... 5070, 5071. nedabah. 5072 . voluntariness, freewill offering. Transliteration: nedabah Phonetic Spelling: (ned-aw-baw') Short Definition: offering. ... /hebrew/5071.htm - 6k 5068. nadab -- to incite, impel 5069. nedab -- to volunteer, offer freely Library September 17. "Thy People Shall be a Freewill Offering in the Day ... Answer to Objections: Man's Freewill and God's Foreknowledge Nun. The Apostle Judas part ii Authority and the Adventurer A Liberal Church Paul a Prisoner Results of Transgression Of the Praise of Solitary Life and of the First Lovers Thereof ... Thesaurus Freewill (27 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (a.) of or pertaining to free will; voluntary; spontaneous; as, a freewill offering. ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FREEWILL OFFERING. ... /f/freewill.htm - 16k Freewill-offering (14 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) Votive (13 Occurrences) Vows (38 Occurrences) Vowed (34 Occurrences) Vow (49 Occurrences) Free-will-offering (9 Occurrences) Free-will (9 Occurrences) Offers (35 Occurrences) Resources What is libertarian free will? | GotQuestions.orgWill we have free will in heaven? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about predestination vs. free will? | GotQuestions.org Freewill: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Freewill (27 Occurrences)Exodus 35:29 Exodus 36:3 Leviticus 7:16 Leviticus 22:18 Leviticus 22:21 Leviticus 22:23 Leviticus 23:38 Numbers 15:3 Numbers 29:39 Deuteronomy 12:6 Deuteronomy 12:17 Deuteronomy 16:10 Deuteronomy 23:23 1 Chronicles 29:6 2 Chronicles 31:14 2 Chronicles 35:8 Ezra 1:4 Ezra 1:6 Ezra 2:68 Ezra 3:5 Ezra 7:13 Ezra 7:16 Ezra 8:28 Psalms 54:6 Psalms 119:108 Ezekiel 46:12 Amos 4:5 Subtopics Related Terms Freewill-offering (14 Occurrences) Free-will-offering (9 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Peace-offering (46 Occurrences) |
    |