Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 6000 Sin and salvation » 6600 Aspects of salvation » 6658 freedom » 6663 freedom, of the will The ability to make decisions without being coerced by external forces. Scripture stresses that people are confronted with free choices between good and evil and commands them to choose good. However, it also notes that limitations are placed upon human actions through the enslaving power of sin. Freedom of the will Freedom of the will to choose between good and evil Deuteronomy 11:26-28 See also Deuteronomy 30:15-16,19; Joshua 24:15; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 26:3; Ezekiel 18:21-23 Freedom of the will to seek and find God Isaiah 55:6 See also Amos 5:4; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:11; Isaiah 28:16; Revelation 22:17 The effect of sin upon freedom of the will Sin prevents human beings from breaking free from its bondage Romans 7:14-20 See also Romans 6:16,22; Romans 7:25 Paul stresses that it is only through Jesus Christ that human beings can be freed from servitude to sin. Sin hardens human hearts Hebrews 3:13 See also Daniel 5:20; Romans 1:21; Ephesians 4:17-19 God hardens human hearts Exodus 9:12 See also Exodus 4:21; Exodus 10:20; Exodus 14:4,8; Deuteronomy 2:30; Joshua 11:19-20; Romans 1:22-24; Romans 9:17-18 Human beings harden their own hearts 1 Samuel 6:6 See also Exodus 8:15,32; Psalm 95:8; Proverbs 28:14; Hebrews 3:8,15; Hebrews 4:7 See also
1130 God, sovereignty |