sovereignty vs. free will in prophecy?

Post by **_Erich** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:18 am

Does Bible prophecy and it’s fulfillment in Scripture demonstrate in some way God’s sovereignty over man’s free will?

Post by **_STEVE7150** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 4:42 pm

I think God can make accurate prophecies and allow free will by knowing our nature better then we know it. For example the prophecies about Jesus being put to death by his enemies is consistent with mans power hungry nature.

Post by **_Erich** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 6:13 pm

Steve,

I'm new to this forum but very grateful for it and your time in responding to my question. In response to your answer though in the example you give weren't there times were they tried to kill Jesus but He was able to escape seemingly miraculously being preserved by God until his appointed time to die? If it was up to the men of that time it would seem that Jesus would have been killed a lot earlier than the cross. But since that wasn't God's will Jesus was preserved against man's will in those particular moments.

Erich <><

Post by **_STEVE7150** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 6:51 pm

Erich, Yes i agree and there are many other examples of God exercising sovreignity to execute his plan. Jesus telling the disciples that they did not choose him but he chose them or Jesus telling Peter that flesh and blood did'nt reveal who Christ was but the Father in heaven did. But generally i believe God let's man have free will as long as it does'nt interfere with his overall plan of redemption for man.

Post by **_Homer** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:26 pm

Seems to me God is sovereign and is always in control, either actively through miracles (rare), or providentially (through natural means). Man has free will but God always has a veto which He excercised when men attempted of their own free will to kill Jesus before the appointed time. When the appointed time came, God allowed Jesus to die and those who killed Him acted freely.

Post by **_Erich** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:53 pm

I like how you put that Homer; could the statement be made that God is sovereignly using man’s decisions to fulfill his plan? As if God is using man’s free will as a tool to bring about His will. Or maybe a picture could be made that of God being like a traffic cop who is directing the flow of traffic/man's choices to fit his purpose and plan. I know that’s not a perfect picture or that I may be off but I welcome any input or insight on this.

Erich <><