May I please caution against using common dictionaries to define biblical words?
See that's the problem "free will" is not in the scriptures... it's a choice. The phrase "free will" is made up to excise God out of any decision process when in reality it's a choice and only if the choice is given.
John 7:16-18 (KJV)
Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
Even then, it's a choice in the Greek:
- Original:
θέλημα
- Transliteration: Thelema
- Phonetic: thel'-ay-mah
- Definition:
1. what one wishes or has determined shall be done
a. of the purpose of God to bless mankind through Christ
b. of what God wishes to be done by us
1. commands, precepts
2.
will, choice, inclination, desire, pleasure
- Origin: from the prolonged form of G2309
- TDNT entry: 03:52,3
- Part(s) of speech: Noun Neuter
So this brings up the matter of choice:
John 8:43 (KJV)
Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (KJV)
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
No one can be drawn to God without being called.
Matthew 22:14 (KJV)
For many are called, but few [are] chosen.
Notice not
ALL are
called... but it is the will of God that
all be saved. That's an enigma eh?
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (KJV)
For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
How can one act on something they know nothing about. If I told you you could fly by whatever means and you did it and you flew then you'd know how. Until you learn how will you know? Marcus Robertson is a blind virtuoso and he used to play with only 8 fingers because no one ever told him he could use his thumbs! Why do you think the scriptures are filled with stories and examples? So we can learn "that" is possible. But too many pick and choose and lose out because of dogma, tradition and pride.
That's scripture.
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