The Will of Man

INTRO

Good morning, friends, we’re so glad you have tuned in to hear God’s Precepts and Promises this morning brought to you by the Rome Church of Christ.

We’re examining Christianity systematically--taking all the Bible has to say on a subject and putting it together as best as possible. Letting the Bible speak

DISCUSSION

To be made in His image is to be a free being.

God freely chose to create (Gen 1:26)

Man is free to choose

Between good and evil (Dt 11:26-28)

to serve God (Josh 24:15)

God’s Sovereignty vs Man’s Freewill

Great controversy in religious world

Sovereignty of God means that God is in control of all things. “His absolute and unrivaled rule over all his creatures and their circumstances”

Certainly true—Job 42:2; Dt 10:14; 1 Tim 6:15

Many, many passages stating God chooses certain people and things for a particular purpose

But does that eliminate man’s ability to choose?

The Calvinists argues that man cannot choose to serve God. It is entirely of God.

The Westminster Confession of Faith: Edinburgh Edition Chapter III. Of God’s Eternal Decree

III. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death.

IV. These angels and men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed; and their number is so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished.

p 28 V. Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of his mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving him thereunto;k and all to the praise of his glorious grace.

Commands to Exercise our Free will

Dt 30:19

Elijah to Israel (1 Kin 18:21)

Mt 6:24

Heb 3:7-8

Rev 22:17

ID AND Q & A

You’re listening to Precept and Promise presented by the Rome Church of Christ. For more info about the Rome church of Christ email us at [e-mail]. Text your question or request for Bible study to 615-549-5838. Check out our website at churchofchristatrome.com.

Q: Will only 144,000 be saved?

A: No Rev 7:4 is figurative. Rev 1:1-3

Examples of Individuals exercising their free will

Sons of God chose improperly (Ge 6:2)

Lot’s choice of Sodom (Ge 13:11)

Israel (Josh 24:15-23)

Israel in the time of Deborah (Judg 5:8)

Israel chooses idolatry (Judg 10:14)

Moses Heb 11:25

Mary Lk 10:42

Problems with the Calvinistic position

Makes God responsible for sin

EXHORTATION

Next week: think about the soul.

Until then, we encourage you to hear His precepts and trust Him promises.