Browse / Mike Winger / Idea

Free will does not mean freedom from consequences — the golden calf judgment illustrates this

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 26) 01:11:14 – 01:14:15

Q15 from Jill Sworzel-Stix: If God gives us free will to worship him, why did he have Moses command the Levites to kill 3,000 people who chose not to (Exodus 32:28)?

Winger recaps the golden calf incident: Israel covenanted with God, then while Moses was on Sinai built a golden calf that Aaron called Yahweh, engaging in cult worship including sexual immorality. When Moses returned, even his arrival did not prompt repentance. Winger's answer: free will means the ability to make choices, not immunity from consequences. God is not preventing Israel from choosing to rebel — they have the freedom to do so. But freedom is not permission, and choices have consequences. Just as a child has the free will to punch a sibling but faces parental consequences, Israel had the freedom to rebel against the God they had just covenanted with. The punishment was proportionate to their covenant breach in a critical nation-formation moment.
← Previous

1 John 3:4-10 does not teach sinless perfectionism — the Gre

 Next →

Are individuals made by God? Yes — through both direct soul

Responses

Scripture Commentary article

Is Free Will “Another” Gospel?

What is the problem? It is common for Calvinists to argue that humanity can’t have free will because free will would necessitate a salvation based on works. Although the Bible does not make this claim, people have been subject to unfair accusations of heresy by overly zealous Calvinists.
Scripture Commentary article

Are you better than those who say no?

Those who believe in Calvinism are quick to accuse those who do not believe the same way. The accusation comes in the form of two questions.
Scripture Commentary article

The Path Of The Last Adam

The path of the last Adam was a path that took Him from Heaven to earth, from the earth to the grave and from the grave to resurrection power on display as our  Lord, Savior and King. But a study in contrast with the first Adam shows us the stark contrast to the faithfulness that the last Adam offer
Scripture Commentary article

Was God’s Wrath Satisfied in Christ or Paid in Hell?

Was God’s wrath satisfied in Christ? If so then how can sinners suffer God’s wrath in hell? This question is one that is often asked by Calvinists to those who do not hold to the teaching of Calvinism.

Your Tags

Personal labels you apply to any item — separate from system topics. Tags are shared across all databases. Visit /tags to browse all your tags.

...more

Video

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 26) @ 01:11:14

2021-03-12

Tags

Moses Aaron covenant divine judgment free will consequences of sin Exodus 32 golden calf
Ask Claude about this