#35 - Predestination & Free Will

Today we discuss a heavily debated and considered topic: election and the will. Is one’s will free? What does the Bible say about election? How can God predestine and our wills remain free? Why share the gospel if God elects? With a focus on Rom. 8-9, Eph. 1, John 6, and other relevant biblical texts, we present a view in line with that of John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards. We hope this discussion is fruitful and helps you more clearly see God’s grace to us in Christ.

 

Though not an exhaustive list, some good resources on this topic include Sproul’s What is Reformed Theology?, Edwards’ Freedom of the Will, Packer’s Evangelism & the Sovereignty of God and Knowing God, and Calvin’s Institutes.

 

For those more familiar with the nuances of this conversation: we recognize some of the benefits to an interpretative lens of corporate election, in which a corporate head (Christ) or corporate groups of people (Jews, Gentiles) are the "elect" of God. While there are certainly pros to this interpretation, here we favor the election of individuals, for reasons such as the Greek singulars in Rom. 9:15-21 and particular views on the NT church (although not limited to these reasons; the notes here are just not a space for detailed exegesis or explanation).  

 

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