Free will is considered a crucial aspect of human nature and our relationship with God. Here’s why free will is significant from a Christian perspective:
1. Love and Relationship:
The core of our faith is a loving relationship with God. True love and relationship require freedom, otherwise, they would be mere obligations or programmed responses. Free will allows us to choose to love God, follow Him, and live according to His will, rather than being compelled to do so.
2. Moral Responsibility:
Free will is essential for moral responsibility. If we were not free to choose, we could not be held accountable for our actions. The ability to choose between good and evil is integral to the concept of sin and virtue. As Christians we need to gain understanding of our personal responsibility and the moral weight of our choices.
3. Growth and Character:
Free will allows for spiritual growth and the development of our character. Through making choices, we can grow in faith, develop virtues, and deepen our relationship with God. This process of choosing and growing is central to our journey of becoming more like Christ.
4. Theological Foundations:
The concept of free will is rooted in the biblical narrative. In Genesis, God gives Adam and Eve the freedom to choose to obey or disobey Him, which illustrates the importance of free will in the human experience. The capacity to make choices is seen as part of being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).
5. The Problem of Evil:
Free will is often cited in discussions about the existence of evil and suffering. The idea is that a world with free will is preferable to a world without it, even though it allows for the possibility of evil. Without free will, genuine love and goodness would be impossible, as they require the ability to choose.
6. Redemption and Grace:
Free will is also significant in the context of redemption. We as Christians believe that God’s grace offers forgiveness and salvation, but we must choose to accept it. This choice is a key aspect of our concept of faith and salvation.

In summary, free will is crucial in our Christian journey because it enables genuine love and relationship with God, allows for moral responsibility and spiritual growth, and provides a framework for understanding the presence of evil and the offer of redemption.
Erick Bouwmeester
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