How does God’s sovereignty work together with free will?

Answer

It is impossible for us to fully understand the dynamics of a holy God molding and shaping the will of man. Scripture is clear that God knows the future (Matthew 6:8; Psalm 139:1-4) and has total sovereign control over all things (Colossians 1:16-17; Daniel 4:35). The Bible also says that we must choose God or be eternally separated from Him. We are held responsible for our actions (Romans 3:19; Romans 6:23; Romans 9:19-21). How these facts work together is impossible for a finite mind to comprehend (Romans 11:33-36).

People can take one of two extremes in regard to this question. Some emphasize the sovereignty of God to the point that human beings are little more than robots simply doing what they have been sovereignly programmed to do. Others emphasize free will to the point of God not having complete control and/or knowledge of all things. Neither of these positions is biblical. The truth is that God does not violate our wills by choosing us and redeeming us. Rather, He changes our hearts so that our wills choose Him. “We love Him because He first loved us” «We love him, because he first loved us. », (1 John 4:19), and “You did not choose me, but I chose you” «Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. », <a href="https://www.bibliatodo.com/en/bible/king-james-version/john-1

5-16″>(John 15:16).

What should we do then? First, we should trust in the Lord, acknowledging that He is in control (Proverbs 3:5-6). God’s sovereignty should bring us comfort, not be a matter of concern or debate. Second, we should live our lives by making wise decisions in line with God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17;James 1:5). We will have no excuses before God for why we chose to disobey Him. We will only have ourselves to blame for our sin. Last but not least, we should worship the Lord, praising Him for being so wonderful, infinite, powerful, full of grace and mercy—and sovereign.