The furphy of ‘free will’
1 November 2006
Hello people, Fred here.
Last time in Cross Purposes I tried to shake our spiritual foundations by challenging our often long held, and deeply held, mis-convictions about God. I’d like to specifically challenge our most sacred spiritual cow this time, plus ask a question I’m needing answers for, plus apply a little floss.
1. The furphy of ‘free will’
In the realm of the spirit just about 100% of people, Christians included, hold “free will” to be an article of faith. We say it, affirm it, maintain it, without having to think. We know it’s true.
What if we’re wrong? In the realm of the spirit it is said of us that there is ‘none righteous, no not one!’ We’re described as being without God and without home – and that nothing good dwells within us. Pauls seems to sum it up with the phrase “dead in our wickedness and sin”.
I simply ask, “If we’re dead in the spirit, how can we exercise free will in the spirit?” By the nature we have inherited from Adam and Eve, we just don’t have it. It is however the first thing restored to us when God brings us into relationship with Jesus. Then you can freely choose God things!
2. My ever more pressing question:
What, or where is the line between obedience and rebellion? Good Kingdom of Australia citizen Fred knows from his scriptures that he’s called to be loyal to his government – to obey those in authority as God’s appointed servants. What happens if conscience kicks in and citizen Fred finds himself needing to be in active opposition to what his leaders say and do? Dietrich Bonhoeffer and a host of others faced similar dilemmas in WW2. Nelson Mandela and a host of others found the same dilemma in South Africa. Can civil disobedience be obedience to God?
Kingdom of God citizen Fred knows his scriptures too. It’s drummed into him that David never once laid a hand on Saul, or acted against him or his life, because Saul was the Lord’s anointed man. We maintain that principle in church relationships. There’s a cover of safety for the obedient.
But what happens when those within churches believe the leadership to be in error, or to be misguided, or even to be inadequate? How does one walk the fine line between obedience and challenge. Is disobedience in those situations a form of rebellion? Is the principle of living under the scriptures our guiding star? Luther knew this problem. In the end, for him it came down to the Word of God. ‘Here I stand – I can do no other’. Is it rebellion to challenge those in authority in the churches of the world?
Responses to this dilemma question are invited and welcome!
3. Fairy floss faith
Many years ago I bought two bags of fairy floss at the local show as I love the stuff. One I slobbered my way through quickly. The other I saved. It got tucked away – in a kitchen cupboard and I forgot about it. Found it about four months later. One plastic bag, still sealed, with a few sugar crystals at the bottom.
The older I get, the more I reckon that lots of us have our faith packaged like that, and tucked away, in a corner cupboard of our heart. My observation tells me that for many of us, rediscovering the package is to discover that what was inside seems to have dissolved.
Faith is maintained by being fed and nurtured.
I hope this makes sense.
May your week be blessed.
Pastor Fred
Just a reminder, that you are free to use this material, send it on to anyone else.
Hello people, Fred here.
Last time in Cross Purposes I tried to shake our spiritual foundations by challenging our often long held, and deeply held, mis-convictions about God. I’d like to specifically challenge our most sacred spiritual cow this time, plus ask a question I’m needing answers for, plus apply a little floss.
1. The furphy of ‘free will’
In the realm of the spirit just about 100% of people, Christians included, hold “free will” to be an article of faith. We say it, affirm it, maintain it, without having to think. We know it’s true.
What if we’re wrong? In the realm of the spirit it is said of us that there is ‘none righteous, no not one!’ We’re described as being without God and without home – and that nothing good dwells within us. Pauls seems to sum it up with the phrase “dead in our wickedness and sin”.
I simply ask, “If we’re dead in the spirit, how can we exercise free will in the spirit?” By the nature we have inherited from Adam and Eve, we just don’t have it. It is however the first thing restored to us when God brings us into relationship with Jesus. Then you can freely choose God things!
2. My ever more pressing question:
What, or where is the line between obedience and rebellion? Good Kingdom of Australia citizen Fred knows from his scriptures that he’s called to be loyal to his government – to obey those in authority as God’s appointed servants. What happens if conscience kicks in and citizen Fred finds himself needing to be in active opposition to what his leaders say and do? Dietrich Bonhoeffer and a host of others faced similar dilemmas in WW2. Nelson Mandela and a host of others found the same dilemma in South Africa. Can civil disobedience be obedience to God?
Kingdom of God citizen Fred knows his scriptures too. It’s drummed into him that David never once laid a hand on Saul, or acted against him or his life, because Saul was the Lord’s anointed man. We maintain that principle in church relationships. There’s a cover of safety for the obedient.
But what happens when those within churches believe the leadership to be in error, or to be misguided, or even to be inadequate? How does one walk the fine line between obedience and challenge. Is disobedience in those situations a form of rebellion? Is the principle of living under the scriptures our guiding star? Luther knew this problem. In the end, for him it came down to the Word of God. ‘Here I stand – I can do no other’. Is it rebellion to challenge those in authority in the churches of the world?
Responses to this dilemma question are invited and welcome!
3. Fairy floss faith
Many years ago I bought two bags of fairy floss at the local show as I love the stuff. One I slobbered my way through quickly. The other I saved. It got tucked away – in a kitchen cupboard and I forgot about it. Found it about four months later. One plastic bag, still sealed, with a few sugar crystals at the bottom.
The older I get, the more I reckon that lots of us have our faith packaged like that, and tucked away, in a corner cupboard of our heart. My observation tells me that for many of us, rediscovering the package is to discover that what was inside seems to have dissolved.
Faith is maintained by being fed and nurtured.
I hope this makes sense.
May your week be blessed.
Pastor Fred
Just a reminder, that you are free to use this material, send it on to anyone else.
posted by PastorFredVeerhuis at 2:05 PM
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