Why Free Will Matters: Six Practical Reasons

Six Reasons Why Free Will Matters

Free will is the capacity to choose freely from among alternative options. This capacity is an essential component of human beings and a fundamental aspect of God’s creation. Despite ongoing debates about the existence of free will, there are practical reasons why it matters.

1. Free Will is Essential for Moral Responsibility

One of the primary reasons why free will matters is because it is essential for moral responsibility. The Bible is clear that human beings will be held accountable for their choices and actions. We are responsible for our sins and will be judged accordingly. The apostle Paul affirms this in Romans 2:6-8 when he writes, “God will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.”

If we accept that we are morally responsible for our actions, we must also accept that we have free will. Without free will, we cannot be held accountable for our choices. If our choices are determined by factors outside of our control, such as genetics or environmental factors, then we cannot be held responsible for our actions.

2. Free Will is Necessary for Love

Love is an essential component of human relationships, and it requires the capacity for free choice. Love cannot be forced or coerced; it must be freely given. If we do not have the ability to choose freely, then we cannot choose to love. God demonstrated this perfectly when he created human beings with free will and gave us the choice to love and follow him or to reject him.

In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, God says, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days.”

3. Free Will is Necessary for Personal Growth and Development

Another reason why free will matters is that it is necessary for personal growth and development. We learn from our mistakes and experiences, and our choices shape who we are and who we become. If our choices are predetermined, then we cannot learn from them or grow as individuals.

God allows us to make choices and experience the consequences of those choices, which enables us to grow and develop as individuals. James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

4. Free Will is Necessary for Creativity and Innovation

Free will is also necessary for creativity and innovation. If our choices are predetermined, then we cannot think outside the box or come up with new ideas. God created us with the ability to create and innovate, and our free will enables us to use these abilities to their fullest potential.

In Exodus 31:3-5, God says to Moses, “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.”

5. Free Will is Necessary for Faith and Salvation

Free will is also necessary for faith and salvation. Without free will, we cannot choose to have faith in God or accept his salvation. Our salvation is dependent on our faith in Jesus Christ, and faith requires the capacity for free choice.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse clearly indicates that our salvation is dependent on our belief in Jesus Christ.

6. Free Will is Essential for the Gospel Message

Finally, free will is essential for the gospel message. The gospel message is that God offers salvation to all who believe in Jesus Christ. This message requires the capacity for free choice. If our choices are predetermined, then the gospel message loses its power and significance.

God has given us the freedom to choose whether to accept or reject his offer of salvation. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua says to the Israelites, “Choose this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Conclusion

Free will is an essential component of human beings and a fundamental aspect of God’s creation. Despite ongoing debates about the existence of free will, there are practical reasons why it matters. Free will is necessary for moral responsibility, love, personal growth and development, creativity and innovation, faith and salvation, and the gospel message. Ultimately, free will enables us to choose to follow God and experience the fullness of life that he offers.