1689 9.1

9.1. Of Free Will

God hath indued the Will of Man, with that natural liberty, and power of acting upon choice; that it is neither forced, nor by any necessity of nature determined to do good or evil.

Proof texts

• Matthew 17:12 — [12] But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.”
• James 1:14 — [14] But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
• Deuteronomy 30:19 — [19] I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Matthew 17:12 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WCF 9.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WCF 9.2 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 9.1 · WCF 9.2 · WCF 9.3 · WCF 9.4 · WCF 9.5 · WLC Q57 · WSC Q29 · WSC Q30 · WSC Q31 · WSC Q32 · BC 6.1 · BC 6.2 · BC 6.3 · CD 3.1 · HC Q53 · SD 9.1 · SD 9.2 · SD 9.3 · SD 9.4 · SD 9.5