The Harmony of Predestination and the Freedom of Will

“If God rules His universe by His sovereign decrees, how is it possible for man to exercise free choice?  And if he can not exercise freedom of choice, how can he be held responsible for his conduct?  Is he not a mere puppet whose actions are determined by a behind-the-scenes God who pulls the strings as it pleases Him?…Man’s will is free because God is sovereign.  A God less than sovereign could not bestow moral freedom upon His creatures. He would be afraid to do so.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy

Many times in the Old Testament, God’s elect would cast lots, and on whichever the lot fell, the decision was presented without any personal choice (ex: Jonah 1:7).

The last time casting lots was issued for decision in the Bible was during the election of the twelfth apostle (Acts 1:26).  After believers received the baptism of fire at Pentecost, casting lots seemed to fade as men and women began to intimately discern in the Spirit…but there is always an exception rule, and thankfully, I’ve stumbled upon the best of both worlds.

Paper. Rock. Scissors.

Through the utility of this game, we not only have the power of predestination at hand, but we are also allowed to still maintain our freedom of will in the valley of decision.  That is, we inevitably fall into God’s pre-determined choice while at the same time we actively participate with our own personal, voluntarily choice.  If you ever find yourself in a crisis you just can’t discern with confidence, pray with a witness, and on the count of three: “paper. rock. scissors.“

**this article was not written solemnly, and the author is not responsible for any contemptibly foolish, silly, or inappropriate choices one may religiously perform.