Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 2: Divine Attributes vs. Human Limitations
1. Introduction
One of the most enduring theological tensions in Christian thought is the paradox between God’s absolute sovereignty and human free will. Scripture affirms that God “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11), yet it also upholds human responsibility: “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). This paradox raises profound questions about freedom, accountability, predestination, and divine justice.
2. God is Sovereign
2.1 Scriptural Foundations
- “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.” – Psalm 115:3
- “He works all things according to the counsel of His will.” – Ephesians 1:11
- “Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth.” – Psalm 135:6
- “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD.” – Proverbs 21:1
2.2 Theological Meaning
- God’s sovereignty means complete authority over creation, history, and human decisions.
- Nothing occurs outside His decree or permissive will (Isaiah 46:10).
- Even evil actions can be incorporated into His plan without compromising His righteousness (Genesis 50:20).
3. Yet Man Has Free Will
3.1 Scriptural Affirmations
- “Choose this day whom you will serve.” – Joshua 24:15
- “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” – Revelation 22:17
- “You refuse to come to me that you may have life.” – John 5:40
- “Repent and believe the gospel.” – Mark 1:15
3.2 The Nature of Human Freedom
- Biblical freedom is not autonomous self-direction, but responsible moral agency within God’s created order.
- Humans make real choices with real consequences, and are accountable for those decisions (Romans 14:12).
4. The Paradox Explained
How can God predetermine all things while humans remain morally responsible?
| Divine Attribute | Apparent Contradiction |
|---|---|
| God controls all things | Yet humans freely choose |
| God’s will is unstoppable | Yet humans are blamed for rebellion |
| God predestines | Yet we must respond to the gospel |
Resolution: Divine sovereignty and human freedom are compatible truths. God’s sovereign will includes the free choices of human beings. He ordains not only outcomes, but also the means—including voluntary human actions (Acts 2:23).
5. Historical Theological Perspectives
5.1 Augustine and the Will
- Argued for compatibilism—humans choose according to their nature, and God governs all things.
5.2 Calvin and Reformed Theology
- Emphasised God’s absolute sovereignty, but maintained that secondary causes (human will) are real and effective.
5.3 Arminius and Free Will
- Emphasised prevenient grace that enables a free response to the gospel while preserving divine foreknowledge.
5.4 Molinism (Middle Knowledge)
- Proposed by Luis de Molina: God knows what free creatures would do in any circumstance, allowing Him to perfectly order the world while preserving freedom.
6. Doctrinal and Devotional Implications
6.1 Assurance and Responsibility
- God’s sovereignty provides assurance of His providence,
- Human freedom reminds us of responsibility to obey and repent.
6.2 Evangelism and Prayer
- Since God ordains both the end and the means, our prayers and gospel preaching truly matter (Romans 10:14–15).
6.3 Worship and Humility
- The mystery of this paradox leads to worship, not speculation. “O the depth of the riches…!” (Romans 11:33–36).
7. Conclusion
The tension between divine sovereignty and human freedom is not a contradiction but a divinely revealed mystery. Both are fully affirmed in Scripture and must be held together. God remains in control, yet human choices have real moral weight. This paradox calls us to trust in God’s sovereign grace while actively responding in faith and obedience.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book I
- Augustine. On Grace and Free Will
- Molina, L. On Divine Foreknowledge
- Piper, J. The Pleasures of God
- Grudem, W. Systematic Theology
- Bavinck, H. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 2