What does EGW write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "Do we have freedom or is everything predetermined?"
Answer
According to the writings of Ellen G. White, man was created as a free, morally acting being and is not a mere automaton. God does not compel obedience, because forced subordination would not allow character development and would contradict His plan. Every person possesses the freedom to accept or reject the gift of life, and is therefore personally responsible for his choice between obedience and disobedience.
Man as a Free Moral Being
God placed man under the law as an indispensable condition for his mere existence. He was a subject of the divine government, and there can be no government without law. God could have created man without the ability to transgress His law; He could have prevented Adam's hand from touching the forbidden fruit; but in that case man would not have been a free moral being, but a mere automaton. Without freedom of choice, his obedience would not have been voluntary, but forced.
No Coercion in the Work of Redemption
In the work of redemption there is no coercion. No external force is applied. Under the influence of the Spirit of God, man is free to choose whom he will serve. In the transformation that occurs when the soul yields to Christ lies the highest sense of freedom.
Responsibility for One's Own Decision
People have the power and ability to dampen the Spirit of God. The power of choice is left to man. He is granted freedom of action. He can be obedient through the name and grace of our Redeemer, or he can be disobedient and bear the consequences. Man is responsible for whether he accepts or rejects the holy and eternal truth.
Rejection of Arbitrary Predestination
There was no arbitrary choice on God's part that excluded Esau from the blessings of salvation. The gifts of His grace through Christ are freely available to all. There is no election except one's own, through which someone can be lost. God has laid out in His Word the conditions under which every soul is chosen for eternal life – obedience to His commandments through faith in Christ.
The Role of Will
Will is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision or choice. Every rational human being has the power to choose what is right. In every experience of life God's word to us is: “Choose today whom you will serve.”
- Free Will and Decision
- Moral Responsibility of Man
- Divine Predestination vs. Freedom of Choice
Original Sources (English)
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