by Zipporah

Created on: May 02, 2009

Is there a dilemma between God knowing all and free will? The answer is no. God lives in eternity. He has stated in his word that he is alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. He is thus outside of "time" and not limited by time which has a beginning and a yet to be determined ending. Because God is outside of time which is limited he knows what has been, what is and what will be. God's knowledge of events does not mean that God is the originator of those events. He merely allows them to occur. God knowledge of what will will occur does not make it occur. He knows the choices we will make but, He does not make those choices for us. He allows us to make those choices. People often ask "If God's knowledge makes Him aware that someone is going to commit a harmful action then why does he allow it to occur. He allows it to occur because he has given the individual a free will. If God desires individuals who will act as he wants them to act, make the decisions he desires they he will make robots rather then human. God made humans and chose to give them free will. He didn't desire robots.

God's knows the decisions and choices we will make. He often warns us about the consequences of decisions made. He does not forbid our making those choices. He merely warns of the consequences of choices made. He provides a means of redemption should we make wrong or harmful choices. God knew Adam and Eve would eat the forbidden apple. He made them aware of the consequences of eating the forbidden apple. He left the decision to them. Because he is eternal and not limited by time, he knew the choice they would make. He provided a plan of redemption before he made them as he did. Knowing and doing something is not the same. God is aware of what will occur but he does not "make it occur". God merely allows it to occur. Adam and Eve made the decision to act as they did. People often make the statement "God made me do it". God didn't make them act in the manner that they acted. That decision was their's. God who is eternal and not restricted by time knew the choices they would make. Did God make them choose to act as they did? The answer is no. The decision was their's. There is no dilemma between knowing and free will.

In discussions regarding God knowing all vs. free will a hidden question is often ignored. That question involves responsibility. Who is responsible for our actions and choices made. Are we responsible for those action or is God responsible? If we believe God is responsible because of His knowledge of what will occur, we place the responsibility for actions and choices made upon God. We proclaim, "We are innocent because God made us act in the manner that we did. We had no choice. We are not responsible for our behavior and thus should not be punished for our behavior. We are responsible for our actions if God gave us a free will and allowed us to act in the manner we chose. The dilemma involves the assignment of responsibility.

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