GOD'S WILL! / MAN'S WILL???
Today's society is moving away from an interest in the creator God. It is common practice to think that a belief in God is a belief in myths and fables. For most, it is fruitless to try to change this common thinking. In regard to God's will and man's will, the Bible gives us an abundance of information relating to this subject. As for the validity of the Bible, the fulfilled prophecies and archeological revelations all testify to its accuracy.
But we can ask, how can people prove the value of the ways of God since God hides himself and his ways from them? The following two verses, to a great degree, address these concerns. And we can ask, who is God talking to when he gives the instruction to prove all things?
1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
There are three important things to notice in 1Corinthians 2:7. First, Paul, among others, understands hidden things. Secondly, understanding has been hidden in a mystery by God. And thirdly, "unto our glory" reveals that those called to truth will understand the hidden things and be glorified through them.
Every one of us is or has been addicted or compelled, one way or another, to self dependant ways to satisfy our state of well being. The revelation of God and the TRUTHS related to God are needed to change that dependence. God has made available the capacity to "prove" the ways of God. As we shall see, one's ability to prove God requires a willing spirit and God's interest in that person in this present age.
Paul, in Romans 8, gives us information that encapsulates the reason that God brought into existence the human creation. These verses provide the foundational knowledge of that work and the entire Bible supports this knowledge. This paper, as sensitive that it may be, will endeavor to reveal how God's will is going to interact with the created will of man to bring about the "SONS OF GOD".
Within the 8th chapter of Romans, we are given knowledge that is so fundamental that it reveals everything that we may associate with our humanity. There have been extraordinary attempts to muddle or conceal the truth of this revelation. Even to the point that verse 20 is in reference to the earth being in a state of decay. Romans 8:20 is potentially one of the most sensitive statements that is given to us in the entire Bible.
Rom 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
It is very important to take notice that the word "creature" is Strong's number 2937 and should be translated as "original formation". In the past I used the verses 20-23 to provide the context for an accurate understanding of verse 20. But I have found that most of the 8th chapter provides the foundation for the unique statement in the 20th verse. In plain English, Adam and Eve, being the "original formation" and being of the flesh, were made in such a way that they would follow after ways that had no value (vanity). We should begin then with the first verse of the 8th chapter of Romans.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
The Spirit of God had not been given to Adam and Eve so Eve believed the enticing words that Satan spoke to her.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Adam and Eve had received, by God, the spirit of bondage when one understands how they were made. They were of the flesh and interested in how, being of the flesh, they could profit. Satan offered Eve things that seemed profitable to her through his lies. And Adam, knowing better, for what might be considered obvious reasons, joined her.
Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
What is the "manifestation" of the sons of God that Adam and Eve and all the rest of humanity is waiting for? In short, the flesh being converted by the spirit of God is brought into life, eternal life. First the firstfruits and then later all those who have the Spirit of God living in them.
Rom 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
A principle reason for this paper is to convey the fact that Adam and Eve had no say in how they were made. Who, in their right mind, would want to be made subject to the influence of Satan? But we see in this verse that they were subjected, by God, for a reason. They were subjected "in hope". That word hope would be better translated "earnest expectation".
Rom 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
There it is, the "hope" is so plain to see. Is the creature (original formation) spoken in verse 21 speaking exclusively of Adam and Eve being delivered? It may be, for God's word is very clear that there will be those that are permanently destroyed.
Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
This seems to be conformation that verse 21 is in reference to Adam and Eve. For in verse 22 the "whole creation" is referenced and "eternal life" is spoken of as being anticipated by the firstfruit.
Why did God call everything that was made "very good" in Genesis 1:31since Adam and Eve were so quick to disobey Him? Because, the way to develop the spirit of righteousness in mankind was made possible by first making mankind subject to vanity. Otherwise, man could never know of the destructive fruit of the self serving ways of Satan. God needed mankind to experience that fruit and fully learn of its destructive nature. ------- God has given us statements of ENORMUS importance in radically abbreviated ways. A good example is recorded in Revelation 11:15.
Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Volumes could be written regarding that statement. Yet the four words "made subject to vanity" are so crucial to our understanding yet so great an effort has been made to obscure its importance.
The whole human creation, through Adam and Eve, did not and does not possess a "free will" to conduct one's life in such a way that wouldn't result in sin and death. Satan had a "free will" prior to the time of his rebellion. There was no outside influence that prompted him to act against
God. He had the free will to turn on his creator.Eze 28:15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
The nature of the life of Jesus and the nature of the natural man and the nature of one's calling and subsequent life, shows us that a "freedom of will" does not have a place in the creation of mankind. Mankind had to wait for the life of Jesus the Christ to show us the way and provide for our salvation. And the life of Jesus was "completely" dependent on the Father to guide his way. We shall see that one's calling is by the will of God. Jesus and the firstfruit or Bride, are essentially the work of the Father. The, the salvation of mankind will be, in time, the result of the loving work of the Father and his Son and the Bride (part of the God family) and their Spirit.
Joh 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Joh 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
What follows is a kind of documentation that describes the process and result of being made subject to vanity. That subjection rules and our history attests to that reality. God produced much work for himself and His Son and His angles in creating mankind's vulnerability.
The very first thing to consider is to acknowledge that we all have a will. Eve had a will to follow Satan. As we have seen, mankind's will has been made subject to the epitome of a self serving spirit. Satan has been given the freedom to LEAD the nations to greater and greater turmoil. Self serving powers will be able to annihilate life on this planet which would be a great victory by Satan to defeat God's plans, if it were to be realized.
Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Now let's consider the question of how our individual will is developed. The creation of Jeremiah, Isaiah and others gives us a very good understanding of how their will and, by extension, how an individual's will is brought into being.
Jer 1:4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Isa 49:1 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
Isa 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
2Th 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is clear that Jeremiah and Isaiah had been given specific jobs to fulfill. But, 2 Thessalonians and Ephesians show us that, at a minimum, God had plans for a firstfruit. Could a foreordained plan for each of the firstfruit could be a valid question? This certainly shows the degree of potential control that God has for each of our lives. Later, we will see how that control has been used and is being used today. Yes, we all have a will. But, can we see how our will is developed?
To begin, we have to go to a time before ones birth. There might not be much to see in the womb but a baby will open its eyes sometime around week 28 from its conception. It won’t be able to see much, but it will start reacting to light during the second trimester. Researchers have observed developing babies moving away from light. Other research show babies, in the womb, shielding their eyes from light. This demonstrates how a random act can result in a satisfaction of need with that resulting knowledge being used for a degree of well being. It shows the development of a memory. It shows the beginnings of a life, using one's own ability to satisfy one's need. This is the very beginning of what becomes the essence of what we call human nature. Human nature may rightfully be considered, as has been defined by those involved with the subject, as mankind acting out naturally a self serving, selfish and competitive way of life.
The first years of life for an individual represents the time when that part of the personality, which is easily moldable, has been shaped to remain a dominant influence. That period lasts about the first five to seven years. If there has been any concept of personal development among societies that has remained unchanged, it is that one. Societies have certainly concurred God's word.
Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
The important question is: what part did the child play in the direction of its upbringing? There are so many societies that have such individual environments. They range from the influences of the "House of Windsor", to the tribal influences in Borneo, to the influence of the environment of a single mother with seven children whose only source of income comes from the state. Those children would have had no say in their environment and what they learned. And we can ask, if during this time, does a child at all think about those things that would satisfy the needs of its parent or care giver? At what age does that level of concern for others begin to develop? That would be an individual matter and I can see that for some it may never occur.
From the time before we were born (eye shielding) and throughout our life (long or short), our mind is experiencing impulses that become the substance of our personal spirit. We can see that the impulses would be beyond vast. Yet these impulses are engraved upon our spirit and when we die, that spirit returns to the God who gave it.
Ecc 12:6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
Ecc 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
This may be the right time to speak more about the "individual". During this age, most souls are susceptible to come under the influence of the self serving ways of Satan.
Mar 4:3-8 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.
The sower's seed is an "earnest" of Gods Spirit through the word of God.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
2Co 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
At baptism ones sins are taken away. When hands are laid on us one receives an "earnest" of the Spirit of God. God willing, that earnest of the spirit falls on good ground. Then God oversees the life long battle to overcome ones previous way and the efforts of Satan that wars against all those who begin to follow God's way.
In Mark 4, notice how many ways God's Spirit is restrained from an opportunity to grow in being fruitful. Yet, there will be some that can use God's Spirit to do well.
But overall, this seems to be a bleak picture for the future of mankind, but through understanding we can know of a far better future. This is a picture of affairs under the control of the present ruler of the world. This pictures the earnest of the Spirit dying or being held back before a person could experience the fruit of the Spirit. Only the called are given an opportunity to grow in the Spirit but even they are cautioned to be careful.
1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
It may be that the "good ground" is representative of those who are able to be called and chosen. Satan's world has dominated the influences on the unproductive ground. And the principle question should be, HOW CAN WE TAKE ANY CREDIT FOR BEING "GOOD GROUND"? In fact, it is most likely that those that represent the "good ground" have been carefully cultivated by a loving God for exceptional responsibilities.
The sower did sow seeds upon a people who were held back from being enlightened. That enlightenment will come with their eventual entrance into a world ruled by God. When we learn and accept and believe and live within the facts (truth), we will have an opportunity to experience a life of peace and abundance.
Nothing has been mentioned concerning the genetic influences that affect us all. It goes without saying that we had NO SAY in the motivations that would have resulted from of our biological inheritances.
We have not been able to dictate the circumstances that we were born into or the "ground" we were born with. So continuing on, I have found that every thought and related action is the result of the desire for the satisfaction of a physical need whether the need was natural, learned, true or false. During our early time of training and most certainly after it, the person would become aware of various distinct experiences. If any experience could be personally beneficial, one would naturally try to take advantage of it. A couple of simple examples could be, a desire for candy for a younger child, and for an older person, a desire to play or participate in some activity.
The result is that we grow to have a love for ourselves at the expense of a love for others. And we can rightly say that we become enslaved to "our way" to well being. We do all that may be in our realm of influence (power) to shape our own immediate opportunity of fulfillment. The individual can have NO CLUE to an understanding of their true or actual need without God's direct intervention.
This is not to say that we couldn't have warm feelings for another, but it would be interesting to take the time to understand why we would have those warm feelings. Here are a few verses that describe our natural nature. And we can ask if these verses reflect on the fact that we were made "subject to vanity"?
MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Because, the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. The apostle Paul understood.
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
What is then that law? ---- It is the fact that we were made subject to vanity!!!
There are two predominate verses that have been used to show that we do have a free will. The first is a statement made by Moses.
Deu 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Much has been made of the word "choose" in this verse (and other verses that use this word). It has been voiced that since we have an ability to "choose" something, on our own prerogative, then we certainly have a "free will". Knowing that the "King James Version" has an abundance of questionable uses of words, it would be prudent to check this word out. It is Strong's number 977.
H977 bâcharbaw-khar'
A primitive root; properly to try, that is, (by implication) select: - acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require.
This understanding of the word is in complete agreement with the instructions given in the New Testament. It is important to consider that this instruction was given to those who were called to truth. The essence of the meaning of the word is to "prove" that something is true.
Rom_12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2Co_13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
1Th_5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
The second verse is found in Joshua 29:15
Jos 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.
Again the word "choose" in this verse is Strong's number 977. But the following verse is of special interest.
Jos 24:16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;
But Joshua had understanding. He knew the mind of his fellow Israelites and that they would not be able to follow through with their earnest commitment for long. He knew that they were subject to vanity.
Jos 24:19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
Jos 24:21 And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.
Jos 24:22 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses.
Jdg 2:7 And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel.
Jdg 2:10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
Jdg 2:11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
The Israelites, after one generation, followed after the physicality of the idols and apostasies of satanic influences. The development of our carnal nature has been motivated by an effort to establish one's own sense of well being no matter how subjective that effort may have been. Is it any wonder that our God wants us to have a spirit of mercy, considering the fact of how we have been destined to follow after the ways of Satan?
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Mat 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Rom 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Rom 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
But this is the instruction for those called to the truth. As one reads the following, it would be good to consider the thought that we love ourselves perfectly.
Luk 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
The more a person moves from an exclusive or predominant self interest to the need and interest of others the closer that person merges with the Spirit of God. In time such will be inclined to value an eternity subject to the will of God and will be fully invested in the future interests and works of God.
Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
So then, how in the world can we love others as we love ourselves??? It begins with the "earnest" of the Spirit of God given to a person. As a person uses that Spirit more and more it becomes the predominant power in that person's life. God imparts to us an abundance of information on how that process is begun and advanced.
Luk 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
2Ti_1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
1Pe_2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Eph_4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Php_3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
1Co_7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
Eph_4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
2Pe_3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Rom_11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
We have been fully shown that one's calling is from God. God brings us to repentance and the acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus and the receiving of the "earnest" of God's Spirit. There is nothing humanly involved with that calling. And we are dependent on the will of God for the salvation that we may eventually receive.
Php 2:13 For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Jas 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
The work of God not only begins our path to salvation but works to finish our salvation.
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 to the company and assembly of the first-born in heaven enrolled, and to God the judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men made perfect.
I would like to refer again to Philippians 2:13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. This time I would like to focus on the fact that we have a will. Here we are clearly shown that God shapes our will. As we grow from being "babes" in understanding and in faith we are worked with until the Spirit of God permeates our soul. Our will becomes so well orientated with the ways of God that we may be accepted into the family of God. But this is an end that has to be grown into.
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
And ------
2Co 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Why? Godly sorrow works for the good of all mankind. Worldly sorrow is directed to the self. The fundamental principle of the work of God is to replace the self serving spirit of Satan with the loving Spirit of God in mankind.
God gives very clear statements in regard to His will being fulfilled in the firstfruit --- yet it is done with the hidden hand of His will being fulfilled in the lives of His elect. This is part of the mystery and a large part of the development of one's spirit.
The Biblical evidence shows us how we actually come to salvation. How then can we say that our "free will" has a part in our eternal destiny? Mankind has a will, but that will has to be supernaturally guided and nurtured. Can't we see that it is the work of a loving God, with unlimited powers, who had a plan and has been fulfilling that plan to bring a glorious eternal future for mankind?
(see "Eternal Life" in Other Subjects three pages or less)