Spiritual Thought 8: Is Freewill Possible If God Knows the Future?

I've come across this discussion several times lately. I've heard people say that if God knows the future, then there couldn't be any such thing as free will. If He already knows what we're going to choose before we choose it, and bases His plan for our lives accordingly, then we didn't really have a choice at all. However, this logic is faulty, and here's why:

Consider a similar example:
I know my 9-year-old daughter very well. I know that she doesn't like gravy on her meat or mashed potatoes and she doesn't like dressing on her salads. She eats them both dry. Don't ask me why; it's strange, I know. (But it's more healthy, so I don't push it.) Still, whenever we have salad or mashed potatoes, I ask, "Do you want gravy?" or "Do you want some dressing?" It's on the table and it's available to her if she chooses to have it. I know, though, that she will say, "No, thanks." So, if she chooses against the dressing or the gravy, does that mean she wasn't excersizing free will, just because I knew in advance what she was going to do? Certainly, not! She always has the option of choosing differently than she normally does. If she, one day, said, "Yes, I think I'll try some Ranch dressing today," would I say, "Oh. Actually, you can't have any. I was just joking."? Of course, not. I would pass her the dressing with my compliments.

Knowledge does not equal choice. It never does. Can you come up with an example of when knowing something equals choosing something? I can't. They are two completely different mental functions. Even in extreme cases, they are different. If you are standing next to a bomb that is about to explode, you have a choice: run or stay put. Just because we know most people would run, doesn't mean that a choice wasn't made in that instant.

So, knowing that my daughter will turn down the dressing, does that mean I'm choosing not to allow her to have it? No. Just because God knows the future doesn't mean He's making our choices for us. Even by making a plan in accordance with our choices, He still is allowing us free will. I still have a wide variety of salad dressing choices in my frig. If she ever changes her mind, I'm prepared.

Here's another example: Let's say you are a new student looking for a college to attend. Both Yale and Harvard accept you into their schools. You have a choice to make. Let's say that God knows that you are going to choose Harvard. He also knows that there is a wonderful person there that you are going to meet and eventually marry. So, does that mean that you don't have a choice? Does that mean that if you chose Yale, that they'd say, "Oh, whoops! The letter we sent you had a typo. We meant to say, 'You're NOT accepted.' Sorry." No. So, what if you chose Yale and ended up going to Yale? Did you thwart God's plan? No. He knew you'd choose Yale, in that case, and there's probably a special person waiting for you there, instead. Just because our choices don't derail God's plan doesn't mean that we're not really choosing. Neither does it mean that God is choosing for us.

I think, possibly, one reason we don't like the idea of God's foreknowledge is because we feel trapped into a certain path--like if someone knows what we're going to choose, our choices don't really matter. This is a limited way of thinking--learned through our dependence on our linear existence. It is uncomfortable and confusing to try to think of anyone, even God, living outside of linear time. It's time, though, to stop trying to limit God. If you're going to understand anything about Him, you have to allow for His biggness--that He is not held within our limits.

I think we also don't like the idea that our poor choices rest solely on our own shoulders. We kindof like the idea that God planned for us to make the mistakes we're making, thus eliminating any personal responsibility. We think, "If God is to blame for my poor choices, then He couldn't punish me for them." Two problems here: 1, God's purpose is not to punish, but to save. 2, Freewill is possible; therefore, our choices are ours alone. No one else can be blamed for them. It's time we own up to our own failures. It's the only way we will ever learn to see our lives from a right perspective, and it's the first step towards finding forgiveness, peace and hope.

Just a Few of the Prophesies Concerning Jesus

Prophesies and Fulfillments of Jesus’ Life, Death and Resurrection
(Taken from Evidence That Demands A Verdict, by Josh McDowell)

In the Old Testament (written by many different men over a span of approximately 2,000 years) there are over 300 references to the Messiah (God’s promised Redeemer of mankind) that were fulfilled in Jesus. Here are a few. Notice the dates of the prophesies and keep in mind that those who recorded these fulfillments of the prophesies were all martyred (terrible deaths), still proclaiming their belief in Jesus Christ.

Prophesy 1
Jesus would be born of a virgin.
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 (approx. 670 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“…Shall was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph… kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18, 24, 25; Luke 1:26-35

Prophesy 2
Jesus would be called Immanuel
(Isaiah 7:14, above)

Fulfillment
“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)

Prophesy 3
Jesus would be the Son of God
“I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘Thou art My Son, Today I have begotten Thee.’” Psalms 2:7 (approx. 1000 B.C.) (see also I Chronicles 17:11-14; II Samuel 7:12-16)

Fulfillment
“…And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.’” Matthew 3:17 (See also Matthew 16:16; Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35; 22:70; Acts 13: 30-33; John 1:34, 49)

Prophesy 4
Jesus would be of the Tribe of Judah
“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” Genesis 49:10 (approx. 1406 B.C.) (See also Micah 5:2)

Fulfillment

“Jesus…the son of Judah…”
Luke 3:23, 33 (See also Matthew 1:2; Hebrews 7:14)

Prophesy 5
Jesus would be of the house of David
“ ‘Behold, the days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘When I shall raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land.’”
Jeremiah 23:5 (approx. 580 B.C.)
(See also II Samuel 7:12-16; Psalms 132:11)

Fulfillment
“Jesus… the son of David…” Luke 3:23, 31 (See also Matthew 1:1; 9:27; 15:22; 20:30, 31; 21:9,15; 22:41-46; Mark 9:10; 10:47,48; Luke 18:38,39; Acts 13:22,23; Revelation 22:16)
(Jesus was a descendent of King David on both is mother’s and father’s side.)

Prophesy 6

Jesus would be born in Bethlehem
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2 (750-686 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“…Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea…” Matthew 2:1 (See also John 7:42; Matthew 2:4-8; Luke 2:4-7)

Prophesy 7

Jesus would be presented with gifts
“Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; The kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.”Psalms 72:10 (approx. 1000 B.C.) (See also Isaiah 60:6)

Fulfillment

“…Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem…and they fell down and worshipped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts…” Matthew 2:1,11

Prophesy 8

Herod would kill many children in an attempt to kill Jesus, believing that this child in whom so many prophesies were fulfilled, would try to take his throne.

“Thus says the Lord, ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.’” Jeremiah 31:15 (approx. 580 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its environs, from two years old and under, according to the time which he has ascertained from the magi.” Matthew 2:16

Prophesy 9

Jesus would be preceded by a messenger

“A voice is calling, ‘Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.’” Isaiah 40:3 (approx. 670 B.C.) (See also Malachi 3:1)

Fulfillment

“…John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 3:1,2 (See also Matthew 3:3; 11:10; John 1:23; Luke 1:17.)

Prophesy 10

Jesus’ zeal for the house of the Lord would overcome Him.

“For zeal for Thy house has consumed me, And the reproaches of those who reproach Thee have fallen on me.” Psalms 69:9 (approx 1000 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple…and…He said, ‘Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a house of merchandise.’” John 2:15-17

Prophesy 11

Jesus would have a ministry of miracles

“Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb will shout for joy.” Isaiah 35:5,6a (approx. 670 B.C.) (See also Isaiah 32:3,4)

Fulfillment

“And Jesus was going about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.” Matthew 9:35 (See also Matthew 9:32,33; 11:4-6; Mark 7:33-35; John 5:5-9; 9:6-11; 11:43,44, 47.)

Prophesy 12

Jesus would enter Jerusalem on a donkey

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9 (approx. 480 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“And they brought it to Jesus, and they threw their garments on the colt, and put Jesus on it. And as He was going, they were spreading their garments in the road. And as He was now approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives…” Luke 19:35,36,37a (See also Matthew 21:6-11)

Prophesy 13

Jesus would be betrayed by a friend

“Even my close friend, in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.” Psalm 41:9 (approx. 1000 B.C.) (See also Psalms 55:12-14)

Fulfillment

“…Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.” Matthew 10:4 (See also Matthew 26:49,50; John 13:21.)

Prophesy 14

Jesus would be sold out for 30 pieces of silver

“And I said to them, ‘If it is good in your sight, give me my wages; but if not, never mind!’ So they weighed out thirty shekels of silver as my wages.” Zechariah 11:12 (approx. 480 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“…'What are you willing to give me to deliver Him up to you?’ And they weighed out to him thirty pieces of silver.” Matthew 26:15 (See also Matthew 27:3)

Prophesy 15

The silver used to buy Potter’s Field

“…So I took the thirty shekels of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the Lord.” Zechariah 11:13b (approx. 480 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“And they [the chief priests] counseled together and with the money bought the Potter’s Field as a burial place for strangers.” Matthew 27:7

Prophesy 16

Jesus would be mocked

“All who see me sneer at me; They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, ‘Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because he delights in him.’” Psalms 22:7,8 (approx. 1000 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Matthew 27:41-43 (See also Matthew 27:31)

Prophesy 17

Jesus was wounded and bruised for us

“But He was pierced through for our trangresssions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (approx. 670 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“Then he released Barabbas for them; but Jesus he scourged and delivered over to be crucified.” Matthew 27:26

Prophesy 18

Jesus’ garments parted and lots cast

“They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.” Psalm 22:18 (approx. 1000 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. They said… ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be…” John 19:23, 24

Prophesy 19

Gall and vinegar would be offered to him

“They also gave me gall for my food, And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” Psalms 69:21 (approx. 1000 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“They gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink.” Matthew 27:34 (See also John 19:28,29)

Prophesy 20

Jesus’ bones were not broken

“He keeps all his bones; Not one of them is broken.” Psalms 34:20 (approx. 1000 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“…But coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.” John 19:33 (See also John 19:36)

Prophesy 21

Darkness at Jesus’ death would come

“ ‘And it will come about in that day,’ declares the Lord God, ‘That I shall make the sun go down at noon And make the earth dark in broad daylight.’” Amos 8:9 (approx. 750 B.C.)

Fulfillment

“Now from the sixth hour darkness feel upon all the land until the ninth hour.” Matthew 27:45

Prophesy 22

Jesus would not stay dead

“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” Psalm 16:9-10 (approx. 1000 B.C.) (See also Psalm30:3; 41:10; 118:17; Hosea 6:2)

Fulfillment

“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’…” Matthew 28:5-7 (See also Mark 16:4-8; Luke 24:1-8; John 20:10-18)

Can I Convert You?

Recently I have been dealing with a misconception that I think is circulating in both Christian and non-Christian circles. (That Christians have the power to convert people to their belief system.) It was brought to mind poignantly by a recent question addressed to me by one of my blog visitors. He asked, "...how do you know that you could tell them [unbelievers] the one thing that would bring them closer to God?"

There are three problems here: 1, I never said I could do such a thing, 2, I don't beleive I could ever do such a thing, and 3, that was never the purpose of my "spritual thought" entries or for anything else I've said on this blog.

As a Christian, I study and believe the Bible as the Word of God--His message to men (and women). So, here's how I back up my stance on this particular issue: The Bible states, "Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will perish." (Isaiah 29:14, NIV)

I Corinthians 1:18 through chapter 2 also has a lot to say about this concept--the idea that spiritual wisdom is from God, not from man. It is very clear to point out that what we consider to be a wise, eloquent or convincing arguements have absolutely no power unless the Spirit of God reveals Truth to the individual whose heart is seeking.

I Corinthians 2:10-11 states, "...The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of man except the spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."

If there is something in what I write that touches you, speaks to your heart, makes you curious to learn more about God or, even, convicts you--PLEASE MAKE NO MISTAKE--It has absolutely nothing to do with me! I know this fully. That is God speaking to you, trying to get your attention. My words are fallible, God's spirit is not. My words are, of themselves, powerless, God's Spirit is all-powerful. My words, left on their own, are foolishness, but God's Spirit reveals wisdom.

So, what is my purpose for drumming up spiritual thoughts to chew on? My purpose is three-fold: 1, to obey God--to do what I believe He wants me to do as He told me through the Scriptures (spread the gospel of Christ-Matthew 28:18-20 & John 4:35), 2, use my writing for what I believe God's purpose was for giving me the talent and, 3, give you something to think about, wonder about & discuss. Since the Bible tells us that those who seek will find (Matthew 7:7-8), if I can help you to actually start seeking, God will lead you through the rest of the process.

So, can I covert you?
Absolutely not! Conversion is a change of heart. I can't change hearts, no matter how much I might wish I could sometimes. If there's any converting, changing, learning, gowing, etc. to be done, that's between you and God.

So, please don't assume that I expect to convert you or even change your mind on a particular issue just because I speak in a confident voice about what I believe. Be secure in the fact that I don't expect you to change your mind just because I told you to. If you read something here that softens your heart or opens your eyes to a new spiritual truth, please blame God for that, not me. Don't accuse me of such a thing; go take it up with Him.

Why Is The Bible So Confusing?

I can't tell you how many times I've heard non-Christians and Christians alike complaining about how confusing the Bible is and how it contradicts itself. I decided to try to shed a light on why there are so many differing opinions out there, why (in a belief system that is supposed to be about unity) there are so many different "Christian" theological ideas and why people see contradictions where there aren't any.

Sound like an impossible task? Believe it or not, it all is explained, actually, in one verse: (I Corinthians 2:14) "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." Did you get that? Where does spiritual truth come from? The Spirit of God alone.

(If, of course, you don't believe in God or in the Bible, consider this idea philosophically: If there were a God and He wanted us to come to love Him and know Him better, wouldn't He want to be intimately involved in that process? The Bible tells of a God Who works in just this manner--a characteristic that is also mirrored in how Jesus taught--through parables. The Bible teaches us that learning about God and spiritual matters is a two-way street. God doesn't force unwanted beliefs on us. He desires that we want to know Him.)

The Bible is full of spiritual truth, but it is not like any other book we will ever study. You can spend your entire life studying the Bible and never get it. It isn't like a mathematics textbook--something that, if you spend enough time and energy studying it, eventually it will make sense. No. The message and the wisdom in the Bible can only be revealed by the Spirit of God. No matter how hard we try to get it, we won't, unless God reveals it to us.

So, how do we ever understand? We ask Him to show us. We ask for Him to reveal His truth to us.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receiveds; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Mathew 7:7-8

So, how do we understand what the Bible is saying to us? We ask God to reveal it to us. How do we reconcile the "contradictions" in the Bible? We ask God to show us the passages in the Bible that will make its full meaning clear, and we keep reading, digging and searching while being open to His teaching. Why are there so many different theological sects out there? Because not everyone is open to the Spirit's leading to the same degree, too many people ignore the part of the Bible that says to avoid meaningless arguments (2 Timothy 2:23) and too many of us have allowed our focus to shift from Christ to politics, popular culture & lies.

The question you should ask yourself is this: are you honestly asking God to reveal Himself to you? And, when He does answer, will you be open to His Spirit? Will you allow yourself to learn what He has to say, or will you rely on your own limited ideas about what "He must be like"? Remember, God cannot be put into a box. He is not subject to human limitations, rules or expectations. God defines Himself. But, if you listen, He'll tell you Who He is.