One of the big topics of discussion in Christianity is free will. It is a topic I take a lot of interest in, so let’s talk about it.

Two theologians tend to represent the discussion of free will: John Calvin and Jacob Arminius. Both men wrote systematic theologies on the topic. I have limited space, so please bear with me as I do some big-time summarizing.

All systematic thinking has a starting point from which the system flows: Since (A) is true, then (B) must be true, and since (B) is true, then (C) must be true — and so on and so forth.

Calvin’s starting point was God’s perfect knowledge of the future. Since (A) God already knows exactly who will and who will not respond to grace, then (B) God reserves his grace for those he knows will receive it. Consider Romans 8:29 and Romans 9.

Arminius’ starting point was God’s offer of salvation to the entire world and man’s free will to accept or reject it. Consider John 3:16, Titus 2:11, and 1 John 2:2.

The problem with systematic thinking is our assumptions about God based on (A) his sovereignty.

Does God’s sovereignty (A) require him to have (B) full knowledge of the future? Well, if God is “required” to have it, then he must not be sovereign. If he is truly sovereign, then God has the authority to reserve for himself the ability to know or not know something as his will determines.

Does man’s free will function with full independence? Well, if man can make fully independent decisions, then God must not be sovereign. If God is fully sovereign, then God reserves for himself the ability to guide man’s “free” will as his sovereign will determines.

The point is this: (A) God is sovereign. Period. Full stop. That statement effectively ends our further musings about God. There is no (B). If we attempt to suggest that (A) leads to a definitive (B), then we are already messing with (A). Not a wise thing to do.

James 4:12 declares God’s sovereignty: There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy.

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he spends the first eleven chapters trying to explain God and his relationship with man. His conclusion at the end of chapter 11 is God’s sovereignty:

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Paul then launches chapter 12 by encouraging us to willingly offer the proper response to God’s sovereignty:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

When Isaiah had a vision and witnessed the sovereignty of God, he willingly offered the proper response:

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 6:5

When Simon Peter experienced the sovereignty of God, he willingly offered the proper response:

Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man! Luke 5:8

When God’s sovereignty confronted Job, Job willingly offered the proper response:

I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, “Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?” Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, “Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.

My friends, our wordy musings, ponderings, and systematic assumptions about God end, and our mouths are firmly shut up, when grace allows us the privilege of experiencing the sovereignty of God – and God’s sovereignty declares that there is only one response we can willingly offer:

“As surely as I live,” says the Lord, “every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.” Romans 14:11

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

My friend, God is sovereign. His sovereign grace is giving you the opportunity to willingly offer the proper response to his sovereignty today – and today is the best day to offer it.

As God’s co-workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

God is helping you. Are you willing to offer the proper response to his sovereignty? Now is the best time to do it.