God’s Redemption Predicated on
Human Free Will
Isaac Megbolugbe
January 4, 2025
Any careful exploration of the theme of human free will and God’s redemption in various biblical accounts shows that, from Adam to Jesus and beyond, humanity has always had the choice to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation and relationship.
From Genesis, Malachi and from Matthew, Revelation all highlight the importance of individual decision-making and responsibility. Whether it’s Adam and Eve’s choice to disobey, the Israelites’ choice to serve God or other gods, Ruth’s choice to join the covenant people, or the universal invitation to follow Jesus, the common thread is clear: God presents us with options, and we must choose.
It is very poignant to note that our choices here on earth determine our eternal destiny, and those who choose obedience have their names written in the Book of Life. This understanding underscores the significance of our daily decisions and the need for humility, prayer, and guidance as we navigate life’s complexities.
The choice to abide by God’s redemption plan is for man to make. It is true right from Adam. God does not choose for us; He only shows us the right and wrong way for us to make our choice. Adam with Eve his wife
“chose” to disobey God and fell for the temptation from Satan( Genesis
3:19).
Moses put the same choice before the Israelites during the exodus (Deuteronomy 11:26-28; 30:19).
Joshua made a choice for himself and his family in Joshua when he confronted the Israelites in Joshua 24:15 “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Ruth chose to go with Naomi to join herself to the covenant people of Israel. Jesus says He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6) and He invites all and sundry to his Kingdom, saying in Matthew 11:28-30:”Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The choice is for the individual to answer the call or not. All the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ had a common message: come to the salvation freely offered to the world by Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection. Everybody has to made the choice here on earth where he will spend eternity by the way they lead their lives either in obedience or in rebellion to God. Those who choose the path of obedience have their names written in the Book of Life in Heaven. Revelation 20:15 “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
May we choose wisely, guided by God’s grace and unfailing love in Christ Jesus. May our decisions align with His will and purposes, and may we walk in obedience and faith, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness. Amen!
Remember, God’s grace and love are always available to guide and empower us as we navigate life’s choices and challenges. May we seek His wisdom and guidance in all we do, and may our lives reflect the beauty of His love and grace.
