Free Will and Divine Judgment: A Christian Perspective

This page explores the complex relationship between human free will and divine judgment in Christian theology. The text examines how the gift of free will relates to eternal consequences and God's justice.

Definition: Free will is defined as the God-given ability for humans to make independent choices and decisions, essential for genuine relationship with the divine.

Quote: "The Gospel of John says that people who believe in Jesus will not die but will have eternal life (John 3: 16-17)."

Highlight: Christians believe in two forms of judgment - an immediate judgment after death and a final judgment during the second coming of Christ (Parousia).

Example: The parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates how earthly choices have permanent consequences in the afterlife, demonstrating the relationship between free will and eternal destiny.

Vocabulary: Parousia - The second coming of Christ, when final judgment will occur.

The text addresses several key theological tensions:

• The paradox of free will as both gift and potential path to damnation
• The relationship between belief and good works in determining eternal destiny
• The compatibility of God's loving nature with eternal punishment
• The question of why an all-loving God would allow the possibility of rejection through free will

These complex theological questions surrounding predestination and free will islam and similar concepts in Christianity demonstrate the ongoing dialogue between human agency and divine justice in religious thought.