Free Will

Free will is usually the answer given as to why God allows wickedness to occur. It’s most certainly true, but there’s a second part – it includes when the free will of one person removes the free will of someone else.

Many times this is done in the name of religion. It starts with, “You don’t believe as I do so you must be wrong” and evolves into, “I will force you to believe as I do by any means possible.”

Wickedness occurs every time someone’s free will is removed – wherever by force, abuse, or not understanding the Biblical principle of submission. If I submit to another person, then I am agreeing with that person or letting that person make a decision that affects both of us. It keeps my free will in tact.

In a healthy relationship, that other person would submit to me too. It’s not a one way deal. If free will is removed then submitting to one another in the fear of Christ would not be possible (see Eph 5:21). Think of it like a teeter totter. Whoever is on the ground must submit to the other person in order to enjoy the ride.

God gives every human being free will. It is one of the basic fundamental rights of every person. Having it taken away or given away is a violation of that God-given right. 

As a matter of fact, if anyone should take away our free will it would be the One who made us, gives us breath, and causes our heart to beat. But instead the Lord gives us the free will to choose Him (life) or not (death) – it’s the theme of the entire Bible.