Choice in the new testament
The concept of "choice" in the New Testament is a complex and multifaceted topic. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Free will: The New Testament teaches that humans have free will, which means we have the ability to make choices that are not predetermined by God. This is evident in passages like Matthew 23:37, where Jesus says, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!"
- Consequences of choice: The New Testament also teaches that our choices have consequences. For example, in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, where a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of money. Those who wisely invested their talents are rewarded, while those who did not are punished. This parable illustrates the idea that our choices can lead to positive or negative outcomes.
- God's sovereignty: However, the New Testament also teaches that God is sovereign and that His plans are not always dependent on human choices. In Romans 8:28-30, Paul writes, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."
- Predestination: The New Testament also touches on the concept of predestination, which suggests that God has predetermined certain outcomes or events. In Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul writes, "He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
- Moral responsibility: Despite the idea of predestination, the New Testament still holds individuals morally responsible for their choices. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus teaches that the way we treat others is a reflection of our relationship with Him, and that our choices will have consequences in the afterlife.
- The role of faith: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of faith in God's plan and sovereignty. In Hebrews 11:6, it is written, "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
- The tension between free will and sovereignty: The New Testament presents a tension between human free will and God's sovereignty. While humans have the ability to make choices, God's plans and purposes are not always dependent on those choices. This tension is reflected in passages like Acts 2:23, where Peter says, "This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men."
In conclusion, the concept of "choice" in the New Testament is complex and multifaceted. While humans have free will and are responsible for their choices, God's sovereignty and predestination also play a significant role in the narrative. Ultimately, the New Testament presents a paradoxical view of choice, where human agency and divine sovereignty coexist in a delicate balance.