Dictionary of Bible Themes: 6663 freedom, of the will

6663 freedom, of the will

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