Divine Sovereignty and Human Free Will Explained

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we delved into the profound and often perplexing topic of divine sovereignty and human free will. This is a subject that has puzzled theologians and believers alike for centuries. The crux of the matter lies in understanding how God's absolute sovereignty can coexist with human freedom. We began by acknowledging the apparent contradiction: if God has decreed everything that comes to pass, how can humans be said to act freely? This question is not merely academic; it touches the very core of our understanding of God and our relationship with Him.

We explored the idea that God's sovereignty does not negate human freedom. Instead, it operates in such a way that human choices are real and significant. The key is understanding that God's decrees and human choices are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they are part of a divine synthesis where God's will is accomplished through human actions. This means that while God has ordained all that happens, humans still make genuine choices that align with their desires and inclinations.

We also discussed the nature of free will. Free will, in this context, is the ability to choose according to one's desires. However, these desires are influenced by our nature. Before conversion, our nature is inclined towards sin, making it impossible for us to choose God without divine intervention. This is where the concept of being "born again" becomes crucial. It is only through God's transformative power that our nature is changed, enabling us to choose Him freely.

The discussion highlighted the tension between God's moral commands and human desires. While God's decrees are always fulfilled, His moral commands often conflict with our sinful inclinations. This conflict underscores the need for a new nature, one that desires to obey God. Ultimately, the resolution of this tension lies in the transformative work of God, who changes our hearts and aligns our desires with His will.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom: God's sovereignty and human freedom coexist in a divine synthesis where God's will is accomplished through human actions. This means that while God has ordained all that happens, humans still make genuine choices that align with their desires and inclinations. [04:50]

2. Nature of Free Will: Free will is the ability to choose according to one's desires. However, these desires are influenced by our nature. Before conversion, our nature is inclined towards sin, making it impossible for us to choose God without divine intervention. [11:51]

3. The Role of Desires: We always choose according to our strongest desires at any given moment. This means that our choices are not random but are determined by what we find most desirable, even if those desires are influenced by our fallen nature. [14:54]

4. The Need for a New Nature: The conflict between God's moral commands and our sinful inclinations highlights the need for a new nature. It is only through God's transformative power that our nature is changed, enabling us to choose Him freely. [19:42]

5. The Call to Be Born Again: The resolution of the tension between divine sovereignty and human freedom lies in the transformative work of God. Being "born again" is essential for aligning our desires with God's will, allowing us to choose Him freely and joyfully. [26:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:37] - Introduction to the Debate
- [01:20] - The Paradox of Sovereignty and Free Will
- [02:23] - Reconciling Divine Sovereignty
- [03:38] - Sovereign Decree and Human Choice
- [04:14] - Evidence of Coexistence
- [05:30] - Human Choice in Divine Decree
- [06:32] - The Nature of Free Choice
- [07:42] - Understanding Free Will
- [09:48] - The Concept of Free Will
- [11:16] - Limitations of Human Ability
- [13:21] - Choosing According to Desires
- [15:11] - The Donkey Dilemma
- [17:43] - Freedom and Bondage
- [20:22] - The Bondage of the Will
- [23:14] - Exercising Free Will
- [25:23] - The Call to Transformation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Divine Sovereignty and Human Free Will

Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 18:6 - "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel."
2. John 6:44 - "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."
3. Romans 9:19-21 - "One of you will say to me: 'Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?' But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? 'Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"' Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?"

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how does Dr. Gerstner describe the relationship between God's sovereignty and human free will? [02:23]
2. What example does Dr. Gerstner use to illustrate the concept of choosing according to one's strongest desire? [15:11]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of being "born again" in relation to human free will? [26:21]
4. What does Dr. Gerstner say about the nature of human desires before and after conversion? [19:23]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon reconcile the apparent contradiction between divine sovereignty and human free will? What role does human desire play in this reconciliation? [04:50]
2. In what way does the sermon suggest that human choices are both free and influenced by God's decrees? How does this impact the understanding of free will? [06:32]
3. How does the concept of being "born again" change a person's nature and desires according to the sermon? What implications does this have for human freedom? [19:42]
4. How does the sermon address the tension between God's moral commands and human sinful inclinations? What is the proposed solution to this tension? [24:43]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your choices were limited by circumstances. How did you reconcile your desires with the situation? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on free will? [09:18]
2. The sermon suggests that our strongest desires guide our choices. Identify a current decision you are facing. What desires are influencing your choice, and how might they align with God's will? [14:54]
3. Consider the concept of being "born again." How has your nature and desires changed since your conversion, if at all? What areas of your life still need transformation? [26:21]
4. How do you experience the tension between God's moral commands and your own desires? What steps can you take to align your desires more closely with God's will? [24:43]
5. The sermon discusses the need for divine intervention to change our nature. How can you actively seek God's transformative power in your life? What practices might help facilitate this transformation? [19:42]
6. Reflect on the idea that God’s sovereignty and human freedom coexist. How does this understanding affect your view of personal responsibility and accountability in your spiritual journey? [04:50]
7. How can you support others in your community who are struggling with the concept of free will and divine sovereignty? What practical steps can you take to encourage them in their faith journey? [25:47]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom Coexist

God's sovereignty and human freedom are not mutually exclusive; they coexist in a divine synthesis where God's will is accomplished through human actions. This means that while God has ordained all that happens, humans still make genuine choices that align with their desires and inclinations. The mystery lies in understanding that God's decrees and human choices work together in harmony. This divine orchestration allows for human actions to be meaningful and significant, even as they fulfill God's sovereign plan. The coexistence of divine sovereignty and human freedom invites believers to trust in God's ultimate plan while actively participating in their own spiritual journey. [04:50]

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in God's plan today, trusting that your choices are part of His divine purpose?


Day 2: The Nature of Free Will

Free will is the ability to choose according to one's desires, but these desires are influenced by our nature. Before conversion, our nature is inclined towards sin, making it impossible for us to choose God without divine intervention. This understanding of free will highlights the need for God's grace to transform our hearts and align our desires with His will. It is through this transformation that we are empowered to make choices that honor God and reflect His character. Recognizing the limitations of our natural inclinations can lead us to a deeper reliance on God's transformative power in our lives. [11:51]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: What desires in your life need to be transformed by God's grace today, and how can you invite Him to begin that work in you?


Day 3: The Role of Desires in Our Choices

We always choose according to our strongest desires at any given moment. This means that our choices are not random but are determined by what we find most desirable, even if those desires are influenced by our fallen nature. Understanding this can help us recognize the importance of cultivating godly desires that align with His will. By seeking to align our desires with God's, we can make choices that reflect His love and righteousness. This requires intentionality and a willingness to allow God to shape our hearts and minds according to His purposes. [14:54]

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one desire you have that may not align with God's will, and how can you begin to surrender it to Him today?


Day 4: The Need for a New Nature

The conflict between God's moral commands and our sinful inclinations highlights the need for a new nature. It is only through God's transformative power that our nature is changed, enabling us to choose Him freely. This transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification, where God continually molds us into the image of Christ. As we grow in our relationship with God, our desires and inclinations begin to reflect His character, allowing us to live in obedience to His commands. Embracing this process requires humility and a willingness to submit to God's work in our lives. [19:42]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace God's transformative work, and how can you actively participate in this process?


Day 5: The Call to Be Born Again

The resolution of the tension between divine sovereignty and human freedom lies in the transformative work of God. Being "born again" is essential for aligning our desires with God's will, allowing us to choose Him freely and joyfully. This spiritual rebirth is a profound change that affects every aspect of our lives, enabling us to live in accordance with God's purposes. It is through this new birth that we experience true freedom, as our desires and choices are aligned with God's perfect will. Embracing this new life requires a commitment to follow Christ and a willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit. [26:21]

"Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (John 3:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God today, allowing His Spirit to guide you in living out your new life in Christ?

Quotes


Now, manifestly those two concepts and acts, for example, of sovereign decree of God and a free choice of man pertaining to that sovereign decree of God do synthetically cooperate with each other. I mean, the evidence is indisputable. You’re going to raise a problem about it, but let’s say at the outset, on the basis of what we’ve so far established, that God has revealed Himself. He’s the truth, and He’s revealed Himself in nature, and specially in Scripture, and He makes the fact that He has decreed everything that comes to pass as Jeremiah says, “Who is this that says it comes to pass and the Lord ordains it not?” [00:03:38]

And, as you intimate, He considers these persons who do respond to His decrees as doing so willingly or deliberately as choices of their own. And so the evidence is in and clear, and there’s no real problem, because God says it does come to pass. Now, you suppose that these are mutually exclusively concepts. If God decrees an act, you seem to think that, say, R.C. Sproul cannot decree/choose the same act. Now, it seems to me obvious that, for example, according to this God has decreed you’d be there where you are right now. [00:04:50]

I can see how it’s possible for a sovereign God to decree an action that I similarly decree by my own choice and everything precisely because God has decreed that I choose it. But the operative word here that’s not in your formula, Dr. Gerstner, is the word ‘freely.’ Freely choose the same. Did you not freely choose to come here this evening? What do you mean, freely choose? I had no option but to choose it because God decreed it, and if the Almighty decreed that I should choose it, did I have any choice in the matter? [00:06:32]

If God decreed it and you had no choice in the matter, would you not be aware of the fact that you had no choice in the matter and you’ve been somehow manipulated? As a matter of fact? Is that what you’re – That’s exactly how I’m feeling here. What’s that? That’s exactly what I’m feeling. That’s exactly what you’re not feeling. You just said you chose to come here. I chose to come here because I had no choice but to choose. You chose. That’s my only answer to you that’s necessary. [00:07:42]

You seem to think that if He chose, you didn’t choose; you keep telling me you did choose. I didn’t choose it freely. You did choose freely. You’ve just testified to me. Nobody dragged you here. Nobody’s manipulating your vocal chords so that certain words are coming out. You’re a conscious person just as I am. I’ve agreed to be here. I have no trouble admitting to you I chose to come here. So I came on my own freewill? Is that what you’re saying? Yes. [00:09:48]

You have an idea that this would be a useful thing for – Do you know Bob Ingram? You mean Bob, so far, Ingram? That Bob? That’s the one. That’s the one. Yeah, I know him. He’s one of my closest friends in my domain, of the Devil’s advocate, right? Yeah. When Ingram tells me to be some place, at a certain time, it’s hardly a free decision on my part. Is it not? Could you not have chosen to disobey? Yes, but at my eternal peril. Nevertheless you choose it. [00:11:16]

But even when he puts a gun to my head, do you call that free choice? Sure. Couldn’t you let the gun go through? People have been martyrs time without end. Well, it’s – As a matter of fact, if you were R.C. Sproul and not the Devil’s advocate, I’d be very surprised if somebody said to you denounce the Christian religion or take this bullet through your head, the R.C. Sproul I know wouldn’t hesitate a moment. ‘Shoot me!’ Wouldn’t you? Or do I not know R.C. Sproul? [00:13:21]

I think the R.C. Sproul you know would. I pray that he would say ‘Shoot me,’ in that regard. And, of course – It would be a free choice. But it’s been severely limited. What’s limited? It’s just limited by the gun and your decision. Yes, but it’s still limited down to those, but I grant, yes, even in that circumstance I have an option – not many options. I only really have two options – to take the bullet – The question’s whether you choose and how many options you have. [00:15:11]

Well, it’s – all we mean by our freewill here’s an individual, and he is confronted with a possibility to debate or not debate, for example. It could be anything else to debate, or possibility to debate or not to debate. You’ve got a choice like that before you and you could conceivably have made either one of those choices, and I would know one thing about you. If you chose not to debate, it would be because you thought that would not be a suitable medium for the communication of the gospel. [00:17:43]

If, on the other hand, all the circumstances being given, that would make it seem to you that it would be a useful thing for the propagation of Christian religion to have a debate like that, it would be utterly impossible for you to choose not to debate. And you thinking this is for the advancement of the kingdom of God, a feasible option, it’s utterly impossible for you to have chosen anything other than you did; namely, to debate. Now, what more freedom than you want than that? It could be sixteen other things? [00:20:22]

Now, when Jesus is saying to an unconverted person to choose Christ or not choose Christ, He is saying that an unconverted person, an unconverted person, dead in trespasses and sins, a lover of darkness, hates Jesus Christ, and therefore will have nothing to do with Him. So while he grasps with his mind that Christ is commanding him to repent and believe, and he even knows with his mind that he should repent and believe, because he hates light, and especially the Light of the world, that utterly repels him, and the idea of avoiding it, rather than coming to Him, is what he finds irresistibly attractive so that one can say it is impossible for that individual to choose Christ of his own freewill to choose the darkness which he really loves. [00:23:14]

We recognize ourselves as freely choosing the evil which brings self-chosen eternal judgment, and that what has to happen to us, if we are going to avoid our own eternal self-destruction is to become a lover of good, and that can only happen by our nature being changed. That's out of your power and my power too, and it belongs only to creative power. The thing we must be doing and everybody in the audience who's followed this at all, and sees the cogency of the biblical doctrine and so on, is to ask God (if He hasn't already done it), to make them over again. [00:25:23]

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Transcript
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