Free Will?

[NickHassan]

Hi CO,
You said in another thread
“I'll stick with my choice rather than yours. “

Was this a free will choice?

[GeneBalthrop]

Quote (mikeboll64 @ Mar. 15 2010,09:53)

Quote (Gene Balthrop @ Mar. 15 2010,04:10) We have Liberty to exercise our WILL to a point , but in the end ONLY (ONE WILL), WILL BE DONE and that is GOD'S Will and when that takes place God will be All and in All. Hi Gene, We have liberty to exercise our will, not only to a point, but to the point of everlasting destruction.  God's will was to have the Israelites acknowledge His power to save them.  But we know they rebelled, because their will was not in tune with His.  They were stiff-necked stubborn people, but God did not force His will on them and magically make them love and obey Him.  They were allowed to follow their own wills to the point of not being able to enter the promised land. It is the same with us.  God is pleased when we adjust our wills to be inline with His.  But we don't have to.  We can follow our own wills into eternal destruction if we choose to.  You are right that in the end, one will only will be done.  But up until then (and even in the new system – I assume) we will have the choice to live according to God's will or not. peace and love, mike

Mike……….”FOR (I) Will take out of your your stony Heart and give you a soft Heart, and write my laws in your inward parts , and shall be unto you a God and you shall be my People. I do not see any so-called “FREE” WILL in a Human doing that.

And again, THE GENTILE WHO HAVE NOT THE LAW BUT DO THE THINGS CONTAINED IN THEM SHOW THE LAW WRITTEN IN THERE HEART BY THE HAND OF GOD. Where is so-called “FREE” Will there

And again, “NO MAN (CAN) COME UNTO ME EXCEPT THE FATHER DRAW HIM”. Why does it not say we can of our OWN so-called “FREE” Will come to Christ.

And again, FOR IT IS GOD THAT WORKS (IN) US (BOTH) TO WILL AND DO OF HIS GOOD PLEASURE. Where is so-called “FREE WILLS” mentioned there.

And again, ” UNLESS THE LORD BUILD THE HOUSE THE WEARY BUILDERS TOIL IN VAIN”. Seems our so-called “FREE WILLS” are excluded from GOD'S Work.

Mike…….I maintain we have liberty to exercise our (CAPTIVATED) Wills, the question whose (CAPTIVITY) ARE WE, our own or GODS.

peace and love to you and yours…………….gene

[terraricca]

Quote (Gene Balthrop @ April 01 2010,04:39)

Quote (mikeboll64 @ Mar. 15 2010,09:53) Quote (Gene Balthrop @ Mar. 15 2010,04:10) We have Liberty to exercise our WILL to a point , but in the end ONLY (ONE WILL), WILL BE DONE and that is GOD'S Will and when that takes place God will be All and in All. Hi Gene, We have liberty to exercise our will, not only to a point, but to the point of everlasting destruction.  God's will was to have the Israelites acknowledge His power to save them.  But we know they rebelled, because their will was not in tune with His.  They were stiff-necked stubborn people, but God did not force His will on them and magically make them love and obey Him.  They were allowed to follow their own wills to the point of not being able to enter the promised land. It is the same with us.  God is pleased when we adjust our wills to be inline with His.  But we don't have to.  We can follow our own wills into eternal destruction if we choose to.  You are right that in the end, one will only will be done.  But up until then (and even in the new system – I assume) we will have the choice to live according to God's will or not. peace and love, mike Mike……….”FOR (I) Will take out of your your stony Heart and give you a soft Heart, and write my laws in your inward parts , and shall be unto you a God and you shall be my People. I do not see any so-called “FREE” WILL in a Human doing that. And again, THE GENTILE WHO HAVE NOT THE LAW BUT DO THE THINGS CONTAINED IN THEM SHOW THE LAW WRITTEN IN THERE HEART BY THE HAND OF GOD. Where is so-called “FREE” Will there And again, “NO MAN (CAN) COME UNTO ME EXCEPT THE FATHER DRAW HIM”. Why does it not say we can of our OWN so-called “FREE” Will come to Christ. And again, FOR IT IS GOD THAT WORKS (IN) US (BOTH) TO WILL AND DO OF HIS GOOD PLEASURE. Where is so-called “FREE WILLS” mentioned there. And again, ” UNLESS THE LORD BUILD THE HOUSE THE WEARY BUILDERS TOIL IN VAIN”. Seems our so-called “FREE WILLS” are excluded from GOD'S Work. Mike…….I maintain we have liberty to exercise our (CAPTIVATED) Wills, the question whose (CAPTIVITY) ARE WE, our own or GODS. peace and love to you and yours…………….gene

gene

all the verses you quote are after the fact ,of people that have chosen out of there freewill to do the will of God.

[GeneBalthrop]

Quote (mikeboll64 @ Mar. 15 2010,09:53)

Quote (Gene Balthrop @ Mar. 15 2010,04:10) We have Liberty to exercise our WILL to a point , but in the end ONLY (ONE WILL), WILL BE DONE and that is GOD'S Will and when that takes place God will be All and in All. Hi Gene, We have liberty to exercise our will, not only to a point, but to the point of everlasting destruction.  God's will was to have the Israelites acknowledge His power to save them.  But we know they rebelled, because their will was not in tune with His.  They were stiff-necked stubborn people, but God did not force His will on them and magically make them love and obey Him.  They were allowed to follow their own wills to the point of not being able to enter the promised land. It is the same with us.  God is pleased when we adjust our wills to be inline with His.  But we don't have to.  We can follow our own wills into eternal destruction if we choose to.  You are right that in the end, one will only will be done.  But up until then (and even in the new system – I assume) we will have the choice to live according to God's will or not. peace and love, mike

Mike………..I will simply quote this, and you figure out if mans So-called Free Will can every cause him to choose God's way.

Jer 10:23…> O LORD, I know that the way of man is not (IN) himself; it is not (IN) man that walks to (DIRECT) his steps.

So much for “FREE” WILL Choices right.

and if that is not enough Here is another one from Jesus HIMSELF, ” (NO) man (CAN) come unto me , unless the Father draw HIM.

peace and love to you and yours mike………….gene

[terraricca]

Quote (Gene Balthrop @ April 02 2010,02:12)

Quote (mikeboll64 @ Mar. 15 2010,09:53) Quote (Gene Balthrop @ Mar. 15 2010,04:10) We have Liberty to exercise our WILL to a point , but in the end ONLY (ONE WILL), WILL BE DONE and that is GOD'S Will and when that takes place God will be All and in All. Hi Gene, We have liberty to exercise our will, not only to a point, but to the point of everlasting destruction.  God's will was to have the Israelites acknowledge His power to save them.  But we know they rebelled, because their will was not in tune with His.  They were stiff-necked stubborn people, but God did not force His will on them and magically make them love and obey Him.  They were allowed to follow their own wills to the point of not being able to enter the promised land. It is the same with us.  God is pleased when we adjust our wills to be inline with His.  But we don't have to.  We can follow our own wills into eternal destruction if we choose to.  You are right that in the end, one will only will be done.  But up until then (and even in the new system – I assume) we will have the choice to live according to God's will or not. peace and love, mike Mike………..I will simply quote this, and you figure out if mans So-called Free Will can every cause him to choose God's way. Jer 10:23…> O LORD, I know that the way of man is not (IN) himself; it is not (IN) man that walks to (DIRECT) his steps. So much for “FREE” WILL Choices right. and if that is not enough Here is another one from Jesus HIMSELF, ” (NO) man (CAN) come unto me , unless the Father draw HIM. peace and love to you and yours mike………….gene

gene

Jer 10:23…> O LORD, I know that the way of man is not (IN) himself; it is not (IN) man that walks to (DIRECT) his steps

this verse Jeremy state that if men wants to live in peace ,secured,and approved by God ,it is not by doing it in his ways who only lead to destruction,

and it is because of there freewill of choice that men chose not to fallow Gods direction,

but Christ came and give good reasons to chose Gods way.

[GeneBalthrop]

Terraricca……….You language barrier is really causing you to not understand what is clearly written. Do you have the right to change what is clearly written to meet you false conclusion and dogmas.

You say but Christ came and gave good reasons to “CHOSE” God's way. But Jesus said (NO) MAN (CAN) COME UNTO ME UNLESS THE FATHER DRAW HIM. Why do you want to leave GOD out of OUR salvation process and replace it with OUR OWN So-Called “FREE” WILLS.

There is only (ONE) WILL that WILL Be DONE and it will be GOD'S Rather we give Him Permission by our Self WILLS or NOT. IMO

[terraricca]

Quote (Gene Balthrop @ April 02 2010,14:07)

Terraricca……….You language barrier is really causing you to not understand what is clearly written. Do you have the right to change what is clearly written to meet you false conclusion and dogmas. You say but Christ came and gave good reasons to “CHOSE” God's way. But Jesus said (NO) MAN (CAN) COME UNTO ME UNLESS THE FATHER DRAW HIM. Why do you want to leave GOD out of OUR salvation process and replace it with OUR OWN So-Called “FREE” WILLS. There is only (ONE) WILL that WILL Be DONE and it will be GOD'S Rather we give Him Permission by our Self WILLS or NOT. IMO

gene

i did not change anything,if you read the gospels this means good news,those are the reasons i talk abode,

with the gospel came hope,faith ,love ,and above all a man from God leading us into the way of God.

do you believe those are not good reasons??
and give up your will out of your freewill no one forces you but the offer is standing in your heart and if you like justice,peace,truth,righteousness,Even if you were sinning like the worse criminal,God trough Christ now reach out is harm to you the only thing you have to do is saying yes i accept your way and i now willing to do your will ,and all your sins are wipe out,

and now you start a new live according to the spirit.

now gene do you still thing it is my dogma and language barrier.

God give us freewill because the challenge of Satan,”Job 1:11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

the truth is that true Christians even at the lost of there live they will not curse God,out of there freewill.

[GeneBalthrop]

Terraricca……..I thought (TRUE) Christians out of the SPIRIT of GOD in them Keep the FAITH, but your religion say they out of their OWN So-called “FREE WILL” do it, Well I guess Man saved himself by His falsely called (FREE WILLS). Pure garbage and non scriptural. I have quoted to you many scriptures that show this not to be the truth, God PLAINLY say it is (NOT)(WITHIN) a Man to (DIRECT HIS PATHS)> but you say differentely, you say man (CAN) BY HIS OWN SO-CALLED “FREE” WILL DO IT. You problem is with GOD'S WORDS Not me. IMO

[terraricca]

Quote (Gene Balthrop @ April 03 2010,03:29)

Terraricca……..I thought (TRUE) Christians out of the SPIRIT of GOD in them Keep the FAITH, but your religion say they out of their OWN So-called “FREE WILL” do it, Well I guess Man saved himself by His falsely called (FREE WILLS). Pure garbage and non scriptural. I have quoted to you many scriptures that show this not to be the truth, God PLAINLY say it is (NOT)(WITHIN) a Man to (DIRECT HIS PATHS)> but you say differentely, you say man (CAN) BY  HIS OWN SO-CALLED “FREE” WILL DO IT. You problem is with GOD'S WORDS Not me. IMO

gene

freewill is not a doctrine,it only a choice ,do not get carried away there ,only in the choice of which master we want to serve ,after that choice we will be committed either to God or to Satan.

that the choice,wen will you take that choice ??

[GeneBalthrop]

Terraricca……….God Chose Me i did Not Chose Him, Just as Jesus said “NO MAN (CAN) COME UNTO ME EXCEPT THE FATHER (DRAW) Him”. It might also help you understand if you read where Jesus told the disciples they did not chose Him He chose them. Your iffy religion is based on a mans Will for himself, not on GOD'S WILL and Power, to control his creation and empower His elect with what they need for salvation and right hearts in them. “For we are created unto good works”, we do self Will ourselves to it. TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A WORK OF GOD, not of man or his falsely called “FREE” WILLS> IMO

[terraricca]

Quote (Gene Balthrop @ April 03 2010,15:13)

Terraricca……….God Chose Me i did Not Chose Him, Just as Jesus said “NO MAN (CAN) COME UNTO ME EXCEPT THE FATHER (DRAW) Him”. It might also help you understand if you read where Jesus told the disciples they did not chose Him He chose them. Your iffy religion is based on a mans Will for himself, not on GOD'S WILL and Power, to control his creation and empower His elect with what they need for salvation and right hearts in them. “For we are created unto good works”, we do self Will ourselves to it. TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A WORK OF GOD, not of man or his falsely called “FREE” WILLS> IMO

gene

wen i was small i love to lessen to bible stories ,and in my heart i told myself i wanted to be like Christ given up his live for other by choice.

wen i was 19 years hold i found my first bible ,and wen trough the book,and loved it,i mean really love what i have read.

and i did it almost every year after that.

but about 20years ago i start thinking on the book of James
and i realise that i did not progress much in that field,so i prayed just like Salomon,and i told God and Christ that i will read the bible again but this time i ask that he help me to printed on and in my heart that it will never be able to come out of it, so that is word become one with me and to give me the power to overcome the sinful nature of my flesh,and let only truth come out of my lips,and so never be deceived because i have put all of my trust in him and his word,

and so my live is controlled by the word of God every day and night,this includes my spirit and mind.

i have given all of my will to God out of my freewill ,God only show me the good way,and i accepted it for my own benefit.

since then i am a change man many things have changed in me, to long to explain. i am now 70 years old.

[GeneBalthrop]

Terraricca………..I also am Old and have experienced GOD presents in my life for many years now, every since i was a young man I have personally saw great miracles , so many it would take a book to list them all. Many prayers answered almost as fast as when i got up off my knees, but did i always walk in his ways (NO) and many times i stumble in my past life and present one, but i never take my eyes of GOD and alway know where to go to find help in my time of Need. I did not Chose GOD He chose Me for what ever reason i don not know, but it was not because of MY OWN So-CALLED “FREE” WILL> that i do Know. I still struggle with (MY) WILL, as Paul did. I have come to see there is (NO) Good thing in MY FLESH , because to (WILL) is Still Present with Me. Just as He Said was His problem also. I have learned My WILL is Contrary to GOD'S WILL in many things, and Must seek to Master it , by seeking GOD the FATHER to strengthen me, and cause me to do what is right in HIS eyes, when i fail. I have found my way only bring me sorrow and Gods way bring Joy and Happiness. My GOD'S WILL BE DONE in ALL and Through ALL. IMO

peace and love to you and yours………………gene

[terraricca]

Quote (Gene Balthrop @ April 03 2010,15:13)

Terraricca……….God Chose Me i did Not Chose Him, Just as Jesus said “NO MAN (CAN) COME UNTO ME EXCEPT THE FATHER (DRAW) Him”. It might also help you understand if you read where Jesus told the disciples they did not chose Him He chose them. Your iffy religion is based on a mans Will for himself, not on GOD'S WILL and Power, to control his creation and empower His elect with what they need for salvation and right hearts in them. “For we are created unto RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A WORK OF GOD, not of magood works”, we do self Will ourselves to it. TRUEn or his falsely called “FREE” WILLS> IMO

gene

” RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A WORK OF GOD, this is true ,but it is done by letting Gods words in our hearts and change our views and way ,into the way of the spirit fruits,this can only be done if we accept Gods will ,by our freewill,

because by accepting Gods will ,we be no longer free to do as per the flesh,but we accept to be renewed by the spirit.
and so we will have lost our freewill.so it is one time use.

[GeneBalthrop]

Terraricca……….So GOD need YOUR permission to SAVE YOU, So in a sense you are the one in true control and if YOU Decide TO ALLOW HIM PASSAGE then it is OK, but if NOT then He must just go away, because your “FREE” WILL Is what is truly in CONTROL OF YOUR DESTINY. Pure Hog Wash. “FOR THEY PROFESS GOD BUT DENY THE (POWER) THERE OF”.

PEACE AND LOVE…………….gene

[terraricca]

Quote (Gene Balthrop @ April 05 2010,13:39)

Terraricca……….So GOD need YOUR permission to SAVE YOU, So in a sense you are the one in true control and if YOU Decide TO ALLOW HIM PASSAGE then it is OK, but if NOT then He must just go away, because your “FREE” WILL Is what is truly in CONTROL OF YOUR DESTINY. Pure Hog Wash. “FOR THEY PROFESS GOD BUT DENY THE (POWER) THERE OF”. PEACE AND LOVE…………….gene

gene

you do not understand nothing in scriptures that not reflect your vision of thing,

you can wait for God to call you and if he as already called you well that good for you but only for you ,because i have not seen your truth on this site to anything but IMOs

your call if you had one like you said is not reflected by your knowledge of scriptures,

I have made my choice and i will serve my savior and his God if you like it or not and all with a willing heart out of my freewill,what i have gladly turn over to him My God.

[GeneBalthrop]

terriracca……..I have posted many scriptures that show the points i was making , but you think what you say is of God and Yet you words do not even reflect much understand of what they mean. You are here pushing you views and (TRYING) to call them Scriptural when in fact they do not even reflect the subject matter being discussed, anyone can quote scripture, but he who understands them is better off. I don not mind at all if you think you are serving GOD out of YOUR OWN WORKS of a WILLING SELF CONTROLLED HEART as “FREE” WILL SALVATION FROM THE SELF. I personally believe as I have and others have quoted that our SALVATION COME FROM THE GRACE OF GOD THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. (NOT OF OUR WORKS) LEAST SOME SHOULD (BOAST) THAT THERE SALVATION CAME FROM THEIR SELFS. “FREE” WILLS> SO WHO NEED GOD IN YOU RELIGION YOU PREACH, YOU SURE DO NOT SEEM TO. IMO

[terraricca]

Quote (Gene Balthrop @ April 06 2010,16:29)

terriracca……..I have posted many scriptures that show the points i was making , but you think what you say is of God and Yet you words do not even reflect much understand of what they mean. You are here pushing you views and (TRYING) to call them Scriptural when in fact they do not even reflect the subject matter being discussed,  anyone can quote scripture, but he who understands them is better off. I don not mind at all if you think you are serving GOD out of YOUR OWN WORKS of a WILLING SELF CONTROLLED HEART as “FREE” WILL SALVATION FROM THE SELF.  I personally believe as I have and others have quoted that our SALVATION COME FROM THE GRACE OF GOD THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. (NOT OF OUR WORKS) LEAST SOME SHOULD (BOAST) THAT THERE SALVATION CAME FROM THEIR SELFS. “FREE” WILLS> SO WHO NEED GOD IN YOU RELIGION YOU PREACH, YOU SURE DO NOT SEEM TO.  IMO

gene

you just do not understand it ,me to i recieved the grace that is offert to me ,by accepting it i produce the deeds of it ,

James says if you have no deeds you have no faith,so how can you have faith if you do nothing not even accepting the sacrifies of Christ ??

[GeneBalthrop]

Terraricca……….God Himself is the source of (TRUE FAITH) He gives it to his childern by revealing Himself in the Live with Power and Miricales. “TELL ME THIS HE THAT DOTH MIRACLES AMONG YOU, DOE HE DO IT BY WORKS OF LAW OR BY HEARING OF YOUR FAITH”. And again “UNTO WHOM HAS THE ARM OF THE LORD BEEN REVEALED”, And again “UNLESS THE LORD BUILD THE HOUSE THE WEARY BUILDERS BUILD IN VAIN, UNLESS THE LORD IS THE CITIES SHIELD THE GUARDS MAINTAIN A UNLESS WATCH”, and again “THE LORD HAS GIVEN TO EACH A MEASURE OF FAITH”. True Faith comes from GOD. Many suppose they have “FAITH” but in fact have only suppositions believing blindly what they hear. “FAITH (IS) THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, (brought about by) THE (EVIDENCE) OF THINGS (NOT) SEEN. No man has seen GOD at any time, so what is going to produce our faith is it not what the unseen God does in our lives through answering prayers and working Miracles. Is that not how GOD reveals HIMSELF? IMO

[GeneBalthrop]

Quote (gollamudi @ Feb. 07 2010,14:30)

Myth of Free Will : Most people say that they believe in “free will.” Do you have any idea what that means? I believe that you will find a great deal of superstition on this subject. The will is saluted as the grand power of the human soul which is completely free to direct our lives. But from what is it free? And what is its power? THE MYTH OF CIRCUMSTANTIAL FREEDOM No one denies that man has a will—that is, a faculty of choosing what he wishes to say, do, and think. But have you ever reflected on the pitiful weakness of your will? Though you have the ability to make a decision, you do not have the power to carry out your purpose. Will may devise a course of action, but will has no power to execute its intention. Joseph's brothers hated him. They sold him to be a slave. But God used their actions to make him a ruler over themselves. They chose their course of action to harm Joseph. But God in his power directed events for Joseph's good. He said, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20). And how many of your decisions are miserably thwarted? You may choose to be a millionaire, but God's providence is likely to prevent it. You may decide to be a scholar, but bad health, an unstable home, or lack of finances may frustrate your will. You choose to go on a vacation, but an automobile accident may send you to the hospital instead. By saying that your will is free, we certainly do not mean that it determines the course of your life. You did not choose the sickness, sorrow, war, and poverty that have spoiled your happiness. You did not choose to have enemies. If man's will is so potent, why not choose to live on and on? But you must die. The major factors which shape your life cannot thank your will. You did not select your social status, color, intelligence, etc. Any sober reflection on your experience will produce the conclusion, “A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9). Rather than extolling the human will, we ought to humbly praise the Lord whose purposes shape our lives. As Jeremiah confessed, “I know, 0 Lord, that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). Yes, you may choose what you want, and you may plan what you will do. But your will is not free to accomplish anything contrary to the purposes of God. Neither have you any power to reach your goals but that which God allows you. The next time you are so enamored with your own will, remember Jesus' parable about the rich man. The wealthy man said, “I will do this; I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods… But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul is required of you” (Luke 12:18-21). He was free to plan but not free to accomplish; so it is with you. THE MYTH OF ETHICAL FREEDOM But freedom of the will is cited as an important factor in making moral decisions. Man's will is said to be free to choose between good and evil. But again we must ask, from what is it free? And what is man's will free to choose? The will of man is his power to choose between alternatives. Your will does decide your actions from a number of options. You have the faculty to direct your own thoughts, words, and deeds. Your decisions are not formed by an outside force but from within yourself. No man is compelled to act contrary to his will, nor forced to say what he does not wish. Your will guides your actions. Yet this does not mean that the power to decide is free from all influence. You make choices based on your understanding, your feelings, your likes and dislikes, and your appetites. In other words, your will is not free from yourself! Your choices are determined by your own basic character. The will is not independent of your nature but the slave of it. Your choices do not shape your character, but your character guides your choices. The will is quite partial to what you know, feel, love, and desire. You always choose on the basis of your disposition, according to the condition of your heart. It is just for this reason that your will is not free to do good. Your will is the servant of your heart, and your heart is evil. “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). “No one does good, not even one” (Rom. 3:12). No power forces man to sin contrary to his will, but the descendants of Adam are so evil that they always choose the evil. Your decisions are molded by your understanding, and the Bible says of all men, “Their senseless minds are darkened” (Rom. 1:21). Man can only be righteous when he desires to have fellowship with God, but, “No one seeks for God” (Rom. 3:11). Your appetites crave sin, and thus you cannot choose Good. To choose good is contrary human nature. If you chose to obey God, it would be the result of external compulsion. But you are free to choose, and hence your choice is enslaved to your own evil nature. If fresh meat and tossed salad were placed before a hungry lion, he would choose the flesh. This is because his nature dictates the selection. It is just so with man. The will of man is free from outside force but not from the bias of human nature. That bias is against God. Man's powers of decision are free to choose whatever the human heart dictates; therefore there is no possibility of a man choosing to please God without a prior work of divine grace. What most people mean by free will is the idea that man is by nature neutral and therefore able to choose either good or evil. This simply is not true. The human will and the whole of human nature is bent to only evil continually. Jeremiah asked, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil” (Jer. 13:23). It is impossible. It is contrary to nature. Thus do men desperately need the supernatural transformation of their natures, else their wills are enslaved to choosing evil. In spite of the great praise that is given to “free will,” we have seen that man's will is not free to choose a course contrary to God's purposes nor free to act contrary to his own moral nature. Your will does not determine the events of your life nor the circumstances of it. Ethical choices are not formed by a neutral mind but always dictated by your personality. THE MYTH OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM Nevertheless many assert that the human will makes the ultimate choice of spiritual life or spiritual death. Here the will is altogether free to choose eternal life offered in Jesus Christ or to reject it. It is said that God will give a new heart to all who choose by the power of their own free will to receive Jesus Christ. There can be no question that receiving Jesus Christ is an act of the human will. It is often called “faith.” But how do men come to willingly receive the Lord? It is usually answered, “Out of the power of their own free will.” But how can that be? Jesus is a prophet. To receive him means to believe all that he says. In John 8:41-45 Jesus made it clear that you were born of Satan. This evil father hates the truth and imparted the same bias into your heart by nature. Hence said Jesus, “Because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me.” How does the human will jump out of man to choose to believe what the human mind hates and denies? To receive Jesus further means to embrace him as a priest—that is, to employ,and depend on him to sue out peace with God by sacrific and intercession. Paul tells us that the mind with which we were born is hostile to God (Rom. 8:7). How can the will escape the influence of human nature which wa s born with a violent enmity to God? It would be insane for the will to choose peace when every bone and drop of blood cries out for rebellion. Then too, receiving Jesus means to welcome him as a king. It means choosing to obey his every command, to confess his right of rule, and to worship before his throne. But the human mind, emotions, and desires all cry out, “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). If my whole being hates his truth, hates his rule, and hates peace with God, how can my will be responsible for receiving Jesus? How can such a sinner have faith? It is not man's will but God's grace that must be thanked for giving a sinner a new heart. Unless God changes the heart, creates a new spirit of peace, truthfulness, and submission, man will not choose to receive Jesus Christ and eternal life in Him. A new heart must be given before a man will believe, or else the human will is hopelessly enslaved to evil human nature—even in the matter of conversion. Jesus said, “Marvel not that I said to you, you must be born again” (John 3:7). Unless you are, you will never see his kingdom. Read John 1:12 & 13. It says that those who believe on Jesus have been “born, not of the will of man, but of God.” As your will is not responsible for your coming into this world, it is not responsible for the new birth. It is your Creator who must be thanked for your life, and if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation (II Cor. 5:17). Who ever chose to be created? When Lazarus rose from the dead, he chose to answer the call of Christ, but he did not choose to come to life. So Paul said in Ephesians 2:4 & 5, “When we were dead in sins God has quickened us with Christ (by grace you are saved).” Faith is the first act of a will made new by the Holy Spirit. Receiving Christ is an act of man just as breathing is, but God must first give life. No wonder Martin Luther wrote a book entitled The Bondage of The Will which he considered one of his most important treatises. The will is in the chains of an evil human nature. You who extol the free will as a great force are clinging to a root of pride. Man, as fallen in sin, is utterly helpless and hopeless. The will of man offers no hope. It was the will choosing the forbidden fruit that brought us into misery. The powerful grace of God alone offers deliverance. Cast yourself upon God's mercy for salvation. Ask for the Spirit of Grace that he may create a new spirit within you. Source: http://www.eternallifeministries.org/wc_myth.htm Please share your views Adam

To All…….Please read this and meditate on it.

Peace and love to you all…………….gene

[terraricca]

gene

so i have and i am well aware of the what you mean,and in a sense you are right,because God will intervene with the ones he loves,did he not help Israel to get out of Egypt,did he not bless those who worship him with a true heart,God never change he always bless the righteous,that for those that he has send his son to die ,so he can give them everlasting live .this is his reward for loving him.

are you surprise at this ??

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