Free Will?, Part 3

Christian theology, the study of God through the Bible, is crucial for believers to deepen their understanding of God's will and character, with every Christian being encouraged to be theologians who rely on both intellectual insight and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Doctrine, while part of theology, is presented as an interpretive layer that can be influenced by personal or systematic biases, suggesting the importance of individual discernment and spiritual guidance in seeking truth.

Doctrine loses its importance when it fosters division or overrides agape love among those who recognize Jesus as Lord; the true doctrine of Christ is simply to believe in Him and love one another, as these are the only instructions emphasized by John the Apostle. While debates around doctrinal views like monergism and synergism arise, the early church affirmed the concept of free will, calling for revisiting scriptures interpreted to negate human choice.

Salvation is depicted as a gift from God fully formed by His grace, requiring no human effort to create, only the faith to receive it, highlighting that salvation through faith differs fundamentally from works. This teaching underscores the risk of pride in human agency by emphasizing that while faith enables individuals to accept salvation, it should not lead to boasting, as the gift is solely an act of grace.

The teaching emphasizes that the true challenge in accepting the Gospel—God's free and complete gift of grace—is not about faith, but rather about human will: being willing rather than being willful. The analogy compares the Gospel to a valuable gift that, unlike material wealth, may decrease one's worldly status but is deeply appreciated by those who recognize their needs and worth in God's eyes, fostering gratitude and humility rather than pride.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the contrast between being willful and willing in the context of receiving God's gift of salvation, highlighting how willing individuals humbly accept God's grace while allowing God to work through their lives, whereas willful individuals may pridefully believe they were responsible for their own salvation. In the ongoing Christian walk, individuals are encouraged to embody a "free willingness" to let God abide in them, which fosters humility and personal growth, rather than adopting a willful approach that leads to pride and religious arrogance.

Shawn emphasizes that faith and love are crucial in understanding God's plan for reconciliation, urging individuals to rely on faith in Jesus rather than solely on their works. The teaching underscores the notion that while not everyone will be saved, God's ultimate goal is reconciliation with all people, stressing the significance of embracing faith and love as guiding principles.