FREE WILL AND ETERNAL PUNISHMENT
By: Daniel McMillin
How can man have free will if they will receive eternal punishment if they do not follow God? The first place to begin is defining our terms. What do we mean by that? Three terms need to be defined:
(1) “Free will.” This concept is a highly debated subject in theological and philosophical circles. Depending on whom you ask, the way one person defines free will may be different from another. So the first place to begin is with her definition of free will (whether or not it is coherent is irrelevant at this point). I would also add that he needs to study and discover how he would define free will and then possibly discuss that as well. At this point, I would assume that what is meant by free will is the freedom to choose. That is, to have the ability, power, or capacity to perform independent actions. Human beings act freely because they are rational. It should be noted that free will is only true if man is made in the image of God. Without God, there would be no possibility of free will.
(2) “God.” At this point, there is no claim that God does exist, but it is assumed that “if He exists,” then it follows… (whatever the consequence is). For that reason, it is important to answer, “Who is God?” If the definition of God follows as moral therapeutic deist gives it, those that argue that God was active in creation but is inactive today (this is how most people think about God), then there is a problem with their theology (even atheists have a theology since they are against the existence of this God that they claim to not believe in). If God is inactive in creation, how could one say He would be in control of the eternal fate of any individual? In addition, this view is incompatible with Scripture. The God of the Bible is a personal, active, and sovereign Being. He is in control of all things, rules over all things, and actively works in all things. To prepare for the next part, it is also important to know that God is holy; He is set apart from creation (lesser things) and wickedness (contrary things). He has identified what is unholy and revealed what it means to be holy. He has purified us (Christians), so we may not be impure (unclean). It is important to identify what she means by “God.” What does this God look like (if He existed)? Is He the Creator? He is powerful? How would she define the “God” she denies?
(3) “Eternal punishment.” The final assumption is that if God exists, He will eternally punish those who do not follow Him. This also assumes that if the God being discussed is the God of the Bible, then it follows that this God must be just and good. If He is good, then He hates all evil, everything that opposes His nature. If He is just, He must act against injustice, immorality, or evil. If He does not punish the wicked, then He is unjust, impartial, and unfair. Further, if He were a good God Who is truly righteous, then He must act against all evil. If God did not act, then He would not truly be good or just. Punishment is the consequence of immoral actions. God has set the standard for morality since He is the standard of absolute goodness. Those that disobey will be punished. Those that will obey will be rewarded. These are the actions of a just God. It may be helpful to ask what she knows about “hell” and why there would be a need for such a place. What is hell like? Why would God create hell?
In the second place, it is important to question whether there is a conundrum at this point. Is there a contradiction between free will and eternal reward or punishment? It is my opinion that they are not contradictory. The reality of man’s free will remains true while there is still an afterlife. Just because heaven and hell exist does not mean we are no longer free. The question is presented as a dilemma; however, man’s free will is still intact if there is the possibility of eternal life or punishment and vice versa. It may be useful to point out that this is not a dilemma to reassure that the question is not an issue. Free will, heaven, and hell are real. There is not contradiction.
Third, it should be noted whether there is anything to worry about. Is there life after death? If there is not life after death, then the question profits nothing (it is also unproductive if God does not exist). Ignoring the realities of heaven or hell for a moment, it is important to question whether or not there is more to life than death (It would be helpful to discuss her view on the afterlife with an atheistic framework). To reflect on this question, we must look within ourselves, and we recognize that we are composed of physical (material), psychological (mental), and spiritual (metaphysical) parts. We want to examine the latter part, the spiritual side. The human essence has both a mind, a body, and a spirit. The human intellect, which allows man to reason, is immaterial and beyond the physical. To think is spiritual. Edward Feser has noted that “if there is an aspect of the human nature, which is highest in us, namely our capacity for thought that survives the death of the body.” When the mind and the body cease to function, the soul does not cease to exist; the human intellect survives or remains. The human soul is immortal. Since we have a human soul, we know that there must be life after death. It may be profitable to question whether or not she believes there is such a thing as a human soul. If she does believe that humans have a soul then it may follow that she believes mankind has a spiritual side, there is more than the physical. If man has a soul, then where did that soul come from? If we have a soul, how are we to be spiritual? Where do our spirits go when we die?
Finally, the question at hand must be addressed at face value. Is there freedom of choice when there is eternal damnation? [Warning: Be careful when answering this] To take a closer look at the question, we examine the reality of this eternal destination: hell. Does hell exist? Assuming the Bible is true when Jesus teaches that eternal life is found in Him alone (the entire book of John, most notably the conversation with Nicodemus in chapter 3) and that the only way to have eternal life is by believing in Him. It, therefore, follows that, of course, those who do not believe will not have eternal life and will perish. By Jesus’ teaching, who speaks of hell more than anyone else (possibly because He is the creator and sustainer of hell who is all present and judges the unrighteous, as we see in Revelation), we understand that Jesus came to die for all that all may be saved by His death and have life. However, no one is compelled or forced to believe. Jesus does not violate our free will and makes us believe. Instead, when Jesus is preached, we have the choice to respond to the message by believing in Him (and putting Him on in baptism), so we may have eternal life. Think of it this way; God is the giver, grace is the gift, and man is the receiver. Man may know the giver and receive the gift by doing what is necessary to receive it, or they may choose not to accept it. Man still has the choice to be a receiver of the gift or not (an additional illustration like a cure for a disease may be helpful to clarify this concept).
Now, I understand the question assumes that since there is an unfavorable consequence, if we do not do what God says, then do we really have a choice? It seems like God doesn’t leave us a choice since there is punishment if we don’t. And the answer to that is, “yeah, there is” (such a scholarly response). But that’s partially the point. The gospel is about saving. Jesus is the Savior. He saves us from our sins, Satan, death, and eternal damnation (hell). The gift of God’s grace saves. Believing in Jesus is in one’s best interest, and denying Him is one’s choice. Whether we believe or not, we still maintain our free moral choice When discussing salvation, one must be balanced and consider that the Bible reveals God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. God’s work of salvation and man’s work of salvation. The individual is responsible for what they do, and they will be judged by what they do. Every individual is responsible for their actions and will be held accountable. Now, if we will be held accountable for our actions, there is an afterlife, and there are two destinations, who determines where we go and why? If God exists and He is the Creator and righteous Judge, then it must be God. God determines who enters heaven and who He departs from. He has given the gospel of grace so that those who receive it will finally have access to their inheritance. On the other hand, those who never took advantage of the opportunity to do what was necessary to be beneficiaries of the rewards should not expect to inherit eternal life. So can we be free, and hell be an option? Yes. Since there is a God, an afterlife, heaven and hell, and human freedom, it follows that it is up to man to choose God or not, which in essence, is choosing where to spend one’s eternity, heaven or hell. God allows us the choice to believe in Him and obey Him in this life and receive eternal life. We choose Him. However, if we choose not to believe and obey Him, then it follows we will not receive eternal life; since we did not want Him in this life, why would it follow that we would want Him in the afterlife? It is at this point that the question of following God is vital. If hell is real and grace is available, is it so bad to accept the truth of the matter and do what is necessary to avoid eternal punishment, to follow God? I would emphasize the freedom of following God and show that it is not the only option, but it is the best, in that it is good and the most favorable, choice to make.
To conclude (I know what you’re thinking “finally he’s almost done”), I want to leave some tips for evangelism. First, speak with love and truth. I know the person you are talking to is someone you must care about otherwise the question would not be asked or you would not be having such a deep and meaningful conversation. Any theological conversation with an individual with differing views, whether they be members of the Church, friends who are associated with different religious groups, or even someone who does not believe in a “god,” whatever that may look like. It is important to be patient and kind. As you have this conversation, above all else, listen. There is a reason this question is being asked. Maybe ask her, “why are you thinking about?” And listen. Look to Jesus as the greatest teacher and communicator. It may be helpful to study some accounts of how He handles situations with unbelievers, scholars, or those who are in desperate need of the Savior (I would highly recommend John 3 and 4). Look to the Apostles and see how they evangelized. (study the book of Acts). Most notably, look at how Paul preaches and see how he speaks (read Paul’s letters). Look to the Bible and see how to be an evangelist. I want you to also please do me a favor. Do not forget to trust in God. Be prayerful and dependent on God. He is at work and in control. Look to God for guidance and reassurance. Find comfort in God’s word and His people. Your brethren are willing to listen and to help. An additional point, when having this conversation, do not use the Bible unless necessary. Remember, she does not think the Bible is inspired, but you do. Only use the Bible when necessary. If she brings up something that can only be answered by the Bible, then be ready to reference what God has to say on the matter. The Bible is the only source for theology…use it! Study the Bible and see what God has said about His nature, that is, He is good, just, loving, and active. Study the Bible and see that hell is a real place and know what God has said on the subject. Finally, the best tool for evangelism is to leave food for thought. Assign homework. Leave with a question to ponder and reflect upon. As an evangelist, or a sower of the (gospel) seed, plant the seed in that person’s life and wait for it to grow. Have something ready for her to ponder for a while and allow God to work.
Book Readings:
Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologica.
Dan Chambers. Churches in the Shape of Scripture.
Earl D. Edwards. Father Son Spirit & God.
Protecting Our “Blind Side.”
Everett Ferguson. The Church of Christ: A Biblical Ecclesiology for Today.
Edward Feser. Five Proofs of the Existence of God.
C.S. Lewis. Mere Christianity.
Jack P. Lewis. Basics of Belief.
Robert Milligan. The Scheme of Redemption.
Christian Smith. Moralistic Therapeutic Deism.
Article Readings:
Albert Mohler. Moralistic Therapeutic Deism—the New American Religion.
Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/
Kyle Butt and Eric Lyons. The Eternality of Hell [Part I and II]
Kyle Butt. A Coherent Definition of a God.
The Reality of Eternal Hell.
Caleb Colley. Controversy About Hell Continues.
Earl Edwards. Does Hell Mean God Stops Loving?
Wayne Jackson. The Goodness of God and an Eternal Hell.
Eric Lyons. Hell and the Omnipresence of God.
Dave Miller.? Attributes of God.
Who Believes in Hell Anymore
Christian Courier (Wayne Jackson) https://christiancourier.com/
Must We Do Something To Receive the Free Gift of Salvation?
Reflections on the Goodness of God.
The Doctrine of Eternal Punishment.
The Use of “Hell” in the New Testament.
The Wages of Sin and the Free Gift of God
Why Would a Loving God Send Us to Hell?
Will Everyone Go to Heaven?
Daily Apologist (Dean Meadows) https://thedailyapologist.com/
If God is in Control Do We Have Free Will?
What is Free Will?
Donnie’s Dogmatics (Donnie DeBord) https://dlddogmatics.com/
Efficient Causation and the Existence of God.
God is Good.
He Exists.
I Believe in God.
Knowledge and Salvation.
Mystery and Methodology: Thinking About God and Worship.
Since God Has Spoken: Obedience.
The Preparation for and Application of Salvation.
Why Omni? The Attributes of the Infinite God.
Edward Feser. http://edwardfeser.blogspot.com/
Divine Causality and Human Freedom.
How to Go to Hell.
The Metaphysics of the Will.
Video Recommendations:
Apologetics Press.
Butt/Barker Debate–Debate: Does the God of the Bible Exist?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8DEQAjVesc
Butt/Ehrman Debate—Pain, Suffering, and God's Existence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FRtKANMXCQ&t=16s
Proof for God - 6 Proofs for God's Existence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_G37HfYwiE
William Lane Craig.
Can God's Existence be Demonstrated?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFn0hopqSFw&t=20s
Evidence For the Existence of God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hW3ceQYxic&t=7s
Five Arguments for God's Existence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUMW6e2x6es&t=40s
Five Reasons Why You Can Believe God Exists | The John Ankerberg Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtSXyrEzXs4&t=115s
The Absurdity of Life Without God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqNTT0E_T70&t=13s
The Most Compelling Argument For God's Existence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz0ocjMMeDc
For more: http://www.reasonablefaith.org
Edward Feser.
The Proof Of Immortality
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUqy9KvLnB0
For full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FvYwpyFbIQ
Ehrmanproject
https://www.youtube.com/user/ehrmanproject
John Lennox
God DOES exist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otrqzITuSqE
Elenore Stump.
Do Heaven and Hell Really Exist?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azvb_P1ymmM
Do Persons Have Souls?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fui2uBDP4Gs
Do Major Religions Worship the Same God?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqHegHsveLE
Alvin Plantinga
Arguing God's Existence?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeX6Lhb0_6A&t=9s
Why does God allow his creation to have free will?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcTdes3MSYY&t=2s
World Video Bible School
Warren/Flew Debate.
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