Monergism

  • Home
  • Directory
  • Our Faith
  • MP3s
  • Bookstore
  • Donate
  • About Us
  • Contact

Directory of Theology

Subscribe to Updates

| New Links | Editors' Picks | Popular Links

Free Will or the Bondage of the Will: Definitions are Critical

Show/Hide Menu to View All Topic Categories

Free Will - Essays

Bob DeWaay

I will be discussing two alternative definitions of free will. The first is the typical definition demanded by Arminians (those who believe that a free will choice to believe brings about salvation): “The ability to choose between options, either of which could be actualized by the act of choosing.” The second definition was proposed by Jonathan Edwards: “The ability to choose as one pleases.” I will explain these in the pages that follow and defend the second one. In so doing I will discuss several problems that arise in seeking to understand free will.

I share this discussion to further demonstrate how exceedingly complex the discussion of free will is when engaged in from a philosophical perspective. I want to emphasize again, this is a philosophical discussion about matters that the Biblical writers appeared to be unconcerned about.

I am bemused when I hear Arminians suggesting that so-called “Calvinists” are always bringing philosophical considerations to the table. What they do not realize is that their free will idea is philosophical. Philosophers with no interest in theology discuss it constantly. Conversely, monergism and synergism are purely theological issues. Secular philosophers have no concern whether salvation is an act of God alone, or a cooperative effort between man and God.

Edwards’ simple definition of free will gives us a great starting point to discuss the matter of God’s grace in salvation. If everyone is free to choose according to his or her own desires and nature, then how does a sinner choose to come to God on His terms? The answer has to do with God’s sovereign grace.

Visit This Link | Visit This Link in a Frame
Categories: Essays
Rating: 4.00 (2 votes) - Added: 01 11 2007
Hits this month: 620 - Hits in this month: 0 - Hits total: 620 - Hits in total: 0
Preview - Report error - Tell a friend
Links from category Essays:  Previous  Next    Links from any category:  Previous  Next

Rate it

Please rate this link between 1 and 5 with 5 being top.










Rates
0 0 1 0 1


Newest Links

  • Republication of the Covenant of Works, Part 2
  • The Law is Not of Faith (MP3)
  • The Place of Daniel in Old Testament Eschatology (.pdf)
  • St. Paul in Macedonia (.pdf)
  • Aesthetics And The Place Of Beauty In Worship (.pdf)

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FEATURES BY EMAIL OR RSS

Top Rated Links

  • Monergistic Regeneration - Part 2
  • Sequential Interviewing Skills Part 6 (MP3)
  • Systematic Review and Verification of Applicant's Statements Part 7 (MP3)
  • The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man:
  • Selecting the Appropriate Questions Part 4 (MP3)

Popular Links

  • Calvin's Commentaries on the Whole Bible
  • Expository Sermons from Genesis to Revelation
  • Classic Bible Commentaries
  • John Piper - Sermons by Scripture
  • IVP New Testament Commentaries

Users online: 47 | Tell Friend | Add to Favorites
Links: Popular | New | Pick | Top Rated | Random

Monergism Copyright © 2009 by CPR Foundation. All rights reserved  |  Site Credits