Do Calvinists believe in free will?

[whateveristrue]

If they believe in the doctrine of election and irresistable grace... how can they also believe in free will?

 

[Unworthy1One]

Short answer - Yes

However, I think that "Calvinists" would subscribe to a different definition of "free will" than most people do.

May I recommend the writings of two self-proclaimed "Calvinists" on this topic? Sorry I cannot post links, as I am still unworthy...

Spurgeon's sermon entitled "Free Will - A Slave"

Jonathan Edwards article entitled "Freedom of the Will". This is a long read, but very informative.

I guess it comes down to whose will is more "free", God's or man's. What happens when God's will is in "conflict" with man's will. Also, what is man's true desire when he chooses to act on his "free will".

To God be the glory.

 

[mrscplus]

In order to understand how "free will" and "predestination" go together, think of it this way...

A housefly is travelling on a 747. The pilot is totally in charge of the flight plan, and the landing of the aircraft.

The fly is free to flit around and bother whomever it wishes. If it finds itself out of the plane, it is in trouble, but as long as it stays on the plane, it will land as the pilot directs.

So it is with us, God has a plan for our lives, He knows where we will end, if we stay within His will. We are free to make decisions within that plan, but ultimately He will see us to the prescribed end.

 

[whateveristrue]

In order to understand how "free will" and "predestination" go together, think of it this way...

A housefly is travelling on a 747. The pilot is totally in charge of the flight plan, and the landing of the aircraft.

The fly is free to flit around and bother whomever it wishes. If it finds itself out of the plane, it is in trouble, but as long as it stays on the plane, it will land as the pilot directs.

So it is with us, God has a plan for our lives, He knows where we will end, if we stay within His will. We are free to make decisions within that plan, but ultimately He will see us to the prescribed end.

That is interesting. So we have a choice with our everyday decisions, to honor or dishonor God... but when it comes to faith and salvation... we have no choice. Correct?

 

[BereanTodd]

One thing I would point out is that there are different 'flavors' of Calvinists and some leave more room for individual choice than others. However, in short, as someone else has said, yes we believe in free-will, just not the "libertine-free-will" that some, such as Open Theists, demand or hold to.

 

[jhitch244]

i heard a quote that.... "free will is as limited to a baby in a playpen"

 

[Dale]

Some church documents like the Westminster Confession sound Calvinist in places but also affirm free will. As far as I can tell these are political compromises. One faction believed in predestination, another faction believed in free will, so a committee trying to come up with a creed everyone can live with waffles. Yes, there are theological waffles.

 

[StephanStrategy]

Not a completely accurate description of the Westminster Standards. The group of men that wrote the final documents were reformed in faith and background.

But to answer the question above, yes Reformed believers affirm election and free will (although the "hyper-Calvinist" in my experience will not).

Mike

 

[TraderJack]

If they believe in the doctrine of election and irresistable grace... how can they also believe in free will?

Define "free will".

Do you believe in the Free Will of God?

 

[whateveristrue]

Define "free will".

Do you believe in the Free Will of God?

Of course I believe in the Free Will of God. But my question is... do humans have free will?

 

[BenjaminRandall]

The issue comes down to whether a person can choose to believe in God.

The answer is, from both a Calvinist and a Reformation Arminian position, that a person cannot choose to believe in God unless God enables him.

But the next question is the dividing point between the two camps: if God enables a person to believe, does the person have the ability to choose not to believe?

In this regard, Calvinists reject the notion of free will. God foreordains certain people to believe, and such people cannot resist.

Arminians, however, believe that if God has enabled a person to believe, then the person must choose either to believe or not. In this regard, Arminians believe in free will.

All this discussion arises out of several theological doctrines, one of which is Total Depravity. Despite Calvinistic claims, Arminius and Reformation Arminians do in fact believe in Total Depravity--which means that no one can put his faith in God unless God draws and enables him to do so. But the Spirit's drawing is irresistible.

 

[angelmom01]

The issue comes down to whether a person can choose to believe in God.

The answer is, from both a Calvinist and a Reformation Arminian position, that a person cannot choose to believe in God unless God enables him.

But the next question is the dividing point between the two camps: if God enables a person to believe, does the person have the ability to choose not to believe?

In this regard, Calvinists reject the notion of free will. God foreordains certain people to believe, and such people cannot resist.

Arminians, however, believe that if God has enabled a person to believe, then the person must choose either to believe or not. In this regard, Arminians believe in free will.

All this discussion arises out of several theological doctrines, one of which is Total Depravity. Despite Calvinistic claims, Arminius and Reformation Arminians do in fact believe in Total Depravity--which means that no one can put his faith in God unless God draws and enables him to do so. But the Spirit's drawing is irresistible.

I agree that no man can come to Christ unless the Father draws him.

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

So you are saying that, according to Calvinism, God does not draw everyone? Only those whom HE has chosen to draw?

Then what about Christ's statement:

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

 

[greatnut]

Surely the nature of a covenant is that each party has a part to play.
God draws.
We have to respond and be drawn.
It is not all up to God, and it is not all up to us.

 

[angelmom01]

So, according the Calvinism, does God NOT DRAW everyone? Only those who are "chosen" BY HIM to be saved?

 

[edie19]

I agree that no man can come to Christ unless the Father draws him.

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

So you are saying that, according to Calvinism, God does not draw everyone? Only those whom HE has chosen to draw?

Then what about Christ's statement:

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

For something like this compare John's words to John's words. Look at Revelation 5: 9 - 10. ". . . . You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation . . " When talking about "all men" John means men & women of all races and ages - not each and every person.

So, according the Calvinism, does God NOT DRAW everyone? Only those who are "chosen" BY HIM to be saved?

No - actually that's according to Scripture. Read Christ's High Priestly prayer in John 17 - multiple references to "those You have given Me" - God's Word is quite clear on the subject.

 

[angelmom01]

For something like this compare John's words to John's words. Look at Revelation 5: 9 - 10. ". . . . You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation . . " When talking about "all men" John means men & women of all races and ages - not each and every person.



No - actually that's according to Scripture. Read Christ's High Priestly prayer in John 17 - multiple references to "those You have given Me" - God's Word is quite clear on the subject.

So "all" doesn't really mean "all"?

And God did not put ALL things (excluding Himself) into Christ's hands?

You sure God's word is "quite clear" on that?

 

[edie19]

So "all" doesn't really mean "all"?

And God did not put ALL things (excluding Himself) into Christ's hands?

You sure God's word is "quite clear" on that?

I'm sure that Christ's words are clear. Christ is very specific - not one reference to all, rather to those whom God gave Him.

as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him

I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me

I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them.

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept

Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me

 

[angelmom01]

I'm sure that Christ's words are clear. Christ is very specific - not one reference to all, rather to those whom God gave Him.

ALL was given to Him.

Psa 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put ALL things under his feet:

(The word "things" is not in the original text". )

1Co 15:25-28 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.


Eph 1:19-23 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.


Heb 2:6-18 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left NOTHING THAT IS NOT PUT UNDER HIM. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are allthings, in bringing many sons unto glory, (the same "many" who were made sinners and suffered "death" through Adam) to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. (They were ALL given to Him.) Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

 

[edie19]

you're absolutely right - and I never said that "all" wasn't under God. A time will come when every knee will bow - it's just that some will be from position of justification by Christ and others won't.

But that has nothing to do with the fact that God saves whom He chooses and that not every man was intended for salvation. Salvation is reserved for those whom God predestined. Two different issues.

 

[angelmom01]

Those who were foreordain to believe receive eternal life. Absolutely.

And those who DO NOT believe will die in their sins.

However, eternal life is "to know God and Jesus Christ whom He sent" and one either has or does not have eternal life abiding in them NOW. As he is so are we IN THIS WORLD (not some other).

These things do not speak of "eternity" but the relationship that we with have or don't have with God now.