40 Bible Verses About Free Will
The Bible contains a huge amount of information for us. There are numerous bible verses about free will. By reading these bible verses, we come to know that God has given us free will to choose right or wrong. But he has shown the result of obeying good and bad. This is his mercy that he already told the end result of all paths. Now it’s our will to choose wrong and go to hell or choose right and get paradise.
In bible verse, there are many personalities who obey God and disobey God by choosing their free will. In these personalities, Adam and Eve, Abel and Cain’s story is worth reading. They disobey God by acting on their free will. While on the other side, there are other ones who obey God.
These names include Moses, Abraham, David, Ruth and Paul. Among them some personalities include Felix who didn’t accept Christianity while had listened to the message. Peter firstly rejects Jesus but after he accepts Christianity. Saul was Israel’s first king. God commanded him to kill all the things on the battlefield but he left the king alive.
Free Will Gift
Verse#1
And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Genesis 2:16-17
Explanation
This Bible verse tells us about the story of Eve and Adam. An incident of this story is in this verse. God allows Adam and Eve to live in the Garden of Paradise and says that you can eat whatever you want here, but do not go near a certain tree and do not eat its fruit. If they eat the fruit of this tree, they will die. God has given this order to Adam and Eve, but before this order, they also had a will that if they do not eat, God will give them eternal life; if they eat, God will give them death.
Verse#2
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Deuteronomy 30:19
Explanation
In this verse, God announced his command to the people through Moses and said that I have placed two ways before the people. One is the path of good, the other is the path of evil. Now it is man’s will to take the path of evil or good. God wants people to follow the straight path and take the path of good, but if they take the path of evil, it is His will. In the Hereafter, they will be rewarded and punished for their good and bad deeds.
Verse#3
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
oshua 24:15
Explanation
In this verse, God sends a message to the people through Joshua. Joshua addresses the people and says that God created us and we should worship Him, but you people worship other gods. Now you people should decide. Either you worship God or false gods. This verse shows that God shows the path of truth and evil before people and leaves it up to humans to choose between these paths.
Verse#4
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Proverbs 16:9
Explanation
In this verse, Solomon says that God shows people the right path and people make their own plans. God gives people the right to their will, but he tries many times to guide people to the straight path so that they can avoid the punishment of the hereafter.
Verse#5
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Isaiah 1:19-20
Explanation
In this verse, Isaiah tells the Israelites that God has placed before them two paths, one is the path of good and the other is the path of evil. If they choose the path of good, God will give them the best life and the hereafter. But if they take the path of evil, they will be killed by the sword.
Verse#6
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Matthew 7:13-14
Explanation
In this verse, Jesus describes an example to the disciples and says that there are two ways, one way is very wide and its gate is also very large and the other gate is small and it is also very narrow. You people should use the narrow path because it is the straight path and will lead you to goodness and life. There are more chances for a person to go astray in that which is a big door and a wide path. So it should be avoided. But sadly, most people choose the open road.
Verse#7
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
John 3:16
Explanation
In this verse, God said that he sent Jesus among the people and if anyone will believe in Jesus of their own free will, they will be blessed with good things in this world and the hereafter and they will be saved.
Verse#8
Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Romans 6:16
Explanation
In this verse Paul explains to the people and says that you become a slave to whatever thing or person you worship. If you obey God, you will do good. Likewise, if you follow evil, you will go down the wrong path. Those who follow the straight path will be saved and those who fall into the wrong path will be humiliated.
Verse#9
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Galatians 5:13
Explanation
In this verse, Paul advises the people and says that God has allowed you to do what you want, but you people have to be wise and follow the path of goodness and not abuse your freedom. Avoid evil and live with love and compassion.
Verse#10
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Revelation 22:17
Explanation
In this verse, a glimpse of the Last Day is shown and it is said that when the Last Day comes, the spirits and brides present there will call people to the water of eternal life. People will have their own choice whether to drink this water or not.
Free Will In Distinguishing And Choosing Good And Bad
Verse#11
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Genesis 4:7
Explanation
In this verse, when God did not accept Cain’s sacrifice. It has been told about it and God has said that if someone acts from the heart, his sacrifice is accepted. God also advises in it. And he says that if a person does evil, that evil also knocks at his door. So if someone does something wrong, he should try to do it right.
Verse#12
See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse—the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Deuteronomy 11:26-28
Explanation
Through Moses, God conveyed the message to the Israelites and said that God gives those two paths, one curse and one blessing. If a person does good deeds, he will be blessed and if a person does bad deeds, he will be cursed.
Verse#13
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Proverbs 3:5-6
Explanation
In this verse, Solomon has instructed the people and said that they should do good deeds but should have faith in God because If a person has faith in God, then God will direct his ways. A man is given the right to his will, but if he includes God’s judgments in his will, he benefits.
Verse#14
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Isaiah 55:6-7
Explanation
In this verse, Prophet Isaiah advises the Israelites and tells them to leave the wrong deeds of their lives and come to God. God has allowed them to live the life they want but they must follow the path of goodness and the path of goodness lies in turning back to God.
Verse#15
Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel?
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Ezekiel 18:30-31
Explanation
In this verse, God tells the Israelites through Ezekiel to return to God. God says that the Israelites must turn from sin and return to God and live a good life. If they do this, they will be given a new and pleasant heart instead of their ugly heart and they will not suffer because of their sins if they repent to God. It was just a message from God. It was up to the rest of the Israelites to turn to God or not.
Verse#16
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Romans 12:2
Explanation
In this verse, Paul exhorts the people and says that they should obey God rather than obey the world. It shows that this was only a suggestion from Paul. People had the will to keep themselves according to the world or according to the heart and God.
Verse#17
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
James 1:13-15
Explanation
In this verse, James tells the people that God is not to be blamed if bad times come upon anyone, it is because of the people’s own sin. God does not oppress anyone without reason. It is man’s own desires and sins that push him to these temptations.
Verse#18
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Matthew 6:24
Explanation
In this verse, it is stated that a person cannot love both good and evil at the same time. Either he will love good or he will love evil. Man’s soul desires to have a lot of wealth. The love of God cannot remain in the heart in which there is love for this wealth. It is the will of man whether he should keep the love of wealth in his heart or the love of God in his heart.
Verse#19
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Philippians 2:12-13
Explanation
It is mentioned in this verse that God gives people the right to their will but puts love for Himself in their hearts and tries to bring them to goodness. In this verse, Paul is trying to tell people the same thing and saying that a person should have the fear of God in his heart and act with it and this fear is also from God.
Verse#20
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
1 Corinthians 10:13
Explanation
In this verse, Paul tells the people about the greatness of God and says that trials come to man because of his own sins, but God does not put such a test on man that he cannot bear. Paul says that God gives them patience and courage along with these trials so that they can face them bravely.
The Free Will’s Responsibility
Verse#21
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Explanation
In this verse, Solomon says that man creates his own result by his actions. If he does a good deed, he gets a good reward, if he does a bad deed, he gets a bad reward.
Verse#22
Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Ezekiel 33:11
Explanation
In this verse, God tells his desires, he says that people should leave the bad and turn to the good so that they will get that good reward. Therefore, people should adopt good deeds and give up evil deeds.
Verse#23
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Psalm 32:8-9
Explanation
In this verse, David says that he wants to teach people the will of God so that people use the path of good instead of evil. David advises the people and says not to be like a mule or a horse that does not know which way to go but must have a bridle and a rope to guide them to keep them on the straight path. And this bridle is God’s will and His way.
Verse#24
Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Deuteronomy 5:29
Explanation
Moses describes God’s will in this verse and says that God wants people to never turn to evil and to follow the straight path. But it is the will of the people which way they should take. If they follow the straight path, they and their children will be blessed.
Verse#25
Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Job 34:4
Explanation
In this verse, Job is with his friends and explains that we all have to decide together what is right and what is wrong. And we had to make an effort to follow the straight path in order to obtain the blessings of God.
Verse#26
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Galatians 6:7-8
Explanation
In this verse, Paul tells the people that if a person does something wrong, he will suffer. If a person does good, he gets a good reward for his good. It means that a person gets a good or bad reward depending on his actions.
Verse#27
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
2 Corinthians 5:10
Explanation
In this verse, Paul tells people about the judgment of the Hereafter and says that we have to stand in the judgment of God and on that day we will be repaid for our deeds. If we have done a good deed, we will get a good reward, if we have done a bad deed, we will get a bad reward.
Verse#28
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Colossians 3:23-25
Explanation
In this verse, Paul advises people and says that people should do good deeds for the sake of God so that God will be pleased with that person. If one does a good deed, there should be no desire in his heart to show it to the world, but the pure intention should be to please God. On the contrary, if someone does wrong, he will be punished accordingly.
Verse#29
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
John 15:5
Explanation
This verse is Jesus‘ advice to his disciples. Jesus says that people should do deeds, but they can only do the best deeds if they follow my teachings. In this verse, Jesus has compared himself to a vine and people to branches. And he has said that if these two things are together, only then will the tree bear fruit.
Verse#30
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Hebrews 4:13
Explanation
It is stated in this verse that God sees the actions of a person. Nothing is hidden from God’s sight. This verse indicates that a human being has full power to do good deeds or to do bad deeds. God is watching over them all and He will reward them according to their deeds.
Result of Free Will
Verse#31
Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Proverbs 1:29-31
Explanation
In this verse, Solomon is telling about the people who refused to follow the path of God, their hearts did not fear God and they went to evil by their own will. Solomon says that the end of these people would be too bad.
Verse#32
Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Isaiah 3:10-11
Explanation
In this verse, Isaiah describes God’s justice and says that God will reward those who follow the path of good and avoid evil, and those who do evil will be punished.
Verse#33
“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Jeremiah 17:10
Explanation
It is said in this verse that God rewards and punishes people according to their deeds, He does not oppress anyone, if someone has done bad, then his end will be bad. On the contrary, if someone has done a good deed, he will get a good reward.
Verse#34
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Psalm 1:6
Explanation
In this verse, David says that God watches over the people and He knows the destiny of the people. He who follows the straight path will be given paradise and he who follows the wrong path will be given hell. This is God’s justice.
Verse#35
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
2 Chronicles 7:14
Explanation
In this verse, Solomon gives a message of guidance to the people and says that God promises the people and says that if someone humbly prays and asks God for a way of good, God will hear his pray from heaven. And will forgive him and reward him abundantly.
Verse#36
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Matthew 16:24-25
Explanation
In this verse, Jesus tells his disciples that if anyone wants to be a good servant of God and my disciple, he must control himself. If a person does not kill himself for the sake of God, he will lose his life. This verse tells us that man has his own will to go towards good or evil.
Verse#37
The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Luke 12:47-48
Explanation
In this verse Jesus describes the scene of the hereafter. He tells people that he who has knowledge will be held accountable according to that knowledge. Just as a slave knows about his master’s command but does not follow it, he is beaten more. If one did not know about the order of his master and did wrong, he is beaten less. Similarly, people should be held accountable for their knowledge.
Verse#38
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Romans 8:5-6
Explanation
In this verse, Paul tells people that there are two kinds of people, one who thinks about worldly desires and the other who thinks about spirituality. He who thinks in terms of the world will get death, but he who thinks in terms of spirituality will be given a peaceful life.
Verse#39
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
James 4:17
Explanation
In this verse, James makes people aware of their responsibility and says that those who know what is right and what is wrong. But if they do not act on it despite having the correct knowledge, then they will be punished for this sin.
Verse#40
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
1 Peter 1:13-16
Explanation
People have free will which means they can choose either good or evil. As in this verse, Jesus has advised the people and told them to come to the straight path and leave evil and believe in God who is pure. If they do this, they will also become pure, because God himself says that I am pure, therefore you should also become pure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
These Bible verses explain to us the concept of free will and also advise us. As in these verses we are told that God has allowed humans to live according to their will. Therefore, it is their will to follow the right path or the path of evil, but God has mercy on people. And God calls them to the straight path and sends messengers to teach them. Despite the teachings of these prophets, if someone goes towards evil by his own will, he will have to be accounted for in the hereafter, and God will give people heaven and hell based on their good and bad deeds.
