In this engaging discussion, Mike Winger, a thoughtful theologian known for his deep insights, tackles intriguing questions about God's nature and free will. He explores whether God’s inability to act against His nature limits His freedom. The conversation also dives into the legitimacy of inferring doctrine from scripture, particularly regarding the second coming of Jesus. Winger punctuates the dialogue with practical advice on distinguishing personal struggles from demonic influences, offering listeners valuable perspectives on faith and interpretation.
The podcast explores the philosophical implications of God's free will, claiming that His actions stem from a predictable and inherent goodness rather than randomness.
It discusses the importance of scripture in affirming God's sovereignty and His ability to make purposeful decisions that reflect His character.
The conversation emphasizes trusting God's nature despite the complexities of free will, assuring believers of His consistent benevolence and reliability.
Deep dives
The Nature of God's Free Will
God's free will is a complex subject that raises questions about whether His actions are genuine or predictable due to His nature. It is argued that if God can only act according to His inherently good nature, this should not undermine trust in Him, but rather enhance predictability in His actions. The discussion posits that if God consistently chooses the best course of action without the influence of external forces, He is reliable and trustworthy. Hence, the notion that God's lack of alternative choices invalidates His free will overlooks the essence of His character as a benevolent and purposeful agent.
Philosophical Perspectives on Free Will
The philosophical debate around free will involves two principal concepts: sourcehood and the principle of alternative possibilities (PAP). Sourcehood indicates that an individual is the originator of their own choices without external manipulation, suggesting a degree of free will. On the other hand, PAP asserts that true free will includes the ability to select between multiple alternatives. In examining these definitions, it becomes clear that while God demonstrates sourcehood in His actions, the extent to which He possesses the freedom to choose differently remains a more contentious philosophical issue.
Scriptural Insights on God's Will
Scripture affirms that God actively makes choices and is not constrained by external forces, highlighting His sovereignty. Verses from Isaiah and Revelation illustrate that God has a purpose and plan, emphasizing His ability to make decisions based on His will and desires. Psalm references further reinforce that God is in control and operates freely within creation. This portrayal of God as a personal agent whose choices stem from His own nature is essential for understanding His free will in theological discussions.
The Challenge of Alternative Possibilities
One of the ongoing challenges in discussing God's free will is the principle of alternative possibilities, questioning whether God has genuine choices beyond His inherent nature. While no specific scripture directly limits God's options, it is uncertain whether there is textual evidence suggesting He could have acted differently in specific scenarios. Discussions often focus on analogies that attempt to illustrate God's freedom alongside His sovereignty, emphasizing how biblical accounts affirm His ability to act while highlighting His consistent character. Philosophical reasoning suggests that if humans have real choices, then it may not be unreasonable to attribute a level of similar possibilities to God.
Trusting God Amidst Complexities
Ultimately, regardless of the complexities surrounding the nature of divine free will, one can maintain trust in God's inherent goodness and reliability. The assertion remains that God's actions, even when viewed through the lens of philosophical inquiry, consistently align with a good and benevolent purpose. This understanding fosters a relationship built on faith, reassuring believers that God's nature guarantees His trustworthy actions across all circumstances. Engaging with these discussions reinforces the belief that, no matter how convoluted the topic of free will might be, God's character remains unwaveringly dependable.
1. 0:03 {What if God Has No Free Will?} Does God lack free will Himself, since He cannot act outside of or contrary to His nature? If so, doesn’t that make His actions questionable? 2. 20:31 {How Did John have Materials to Write?} Were papyrus and writing supplies expensive? How did John, banished to the Island of Patmos, have all the necessary items to write down his Revelation? 3. 23:22 {Should we Infer Doctrine from Scripture?} Is it wrong to base doctrine on inference? Is it ever legitimate? E.g., the context of Hebrews 12:1 says nothing about saints watching us from Heaven, but some say it’s implied by the word “witnesses.” 4. 31:43 {Where is the 2nd Coming in Scripture?} Where does it say in the Bible that the Messiah will have a second coming? Does Jesus tell His disciples that He won’t be fulfilling all of the Old Testament prophecies just yet? 5. 36:29 {Did Jesus Always Have Power to Heal?} Regarding when Luke 5:17 says, “The power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal,” did Jesus not always have this power, or does Luke emphasize it here because of what happens next? What’s your take on this? 6. 42:01 {Do Our Prayers Affect Others’ Salvation?} Do our prayers for the unsaved actually increase their chances of being saved, vs. if they didn’t have anyone praying for them? 7. 48:52 {Our Sinful Flesh vs. Spiritual Warfare} How can I discern the difference between demonic influence and my flesh when it comes to sinful struggles? 8. 52:52 {Which Scripture is God-Breathed?} In 2 Timothy 3:16, when it says “All Scripture is God-breathed…” what would the author have meant by “Scripture”? Because as far as I know, books like Jude and Revelation hadn’t been written yet. 9. 55:00 {About Asexuality} Is asexuality real? I know believers who say they’re asexual (not sexually attracted to anyone). I think this may be true of me, but could it just be God guarding my heart from lust over the years? 10. 1:01:25 {Physical Appearances of Jesus Today?} Does Mark 13:21-23 refute present-day claims of Jesus physically appearing to people, or is this a misapplication of the text?
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Quick announcement: I've got bad news and good news. The bad news is that I'll only be doing 10 questions each Q&A. The good news is that I'll be doing the Q&As every Friday instead of every other Friday.
I’m Mike Winger and my goal is to help people think Biblically about everything. My website: BibleThinker.org
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