Today, reply is on the operation of divine will, rather than “free will” in the life of Christian believers. The primary goal for the Christian believer is to become Christ-like in every aspect of their living. Christian believers, therefore, seek to implement and perform the revealed will of GOD, and are not trying to escape the obligations of accountability, duty, and reverence toward GOD. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:
Is free will real or just an illusion?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2nd Corinthians 10: 4-6, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jonah Willfully Disobeyed (06/10/2018); Life And Divine Purpose (05/04/2018); Divine Knowing, Finite Will? (09/28/2016); The Philosophy of Free Will? (04/08/2014); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); No Free Will (10/19/2010); Speaking of GOD (10/20/2010)
“Anonymous”, among Christian believers the language that speaks of “free will” is less accurate and useful, for that phrase speaks to decision-making, or determining ones own behavior and course on the basis of aspects of mind, personhood, and the flesh. Included are carnal reason, emotion (e.g., anger, fear, sorrow), desire, imagination, intelligence, lust, and the many operations of sin that may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures. For angels, men, sacred beasts of heaven, and others throughout the universe self-will appears as an aspect of separation from divinity that establishes integrity and legitimacy for the existence and personhood of each living entity. Correctly understood, developing Christians are to display the inseparable aspects of divine fullness imparted through baptism and rebirth that are in accord with divine prerogative, sacred law, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:
(1.) Titus 1: 7-9, King James Version (KJV): 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
(2.) 2nd Peter 2: 9-11, KJV: 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
(3.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 1st John 4: 1-6, KJV: 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK
PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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