Understanding the Difference Between Free Will and Original Sin

The concepts of free will and original sin have been subjects of religious, philosophical, and theological debate for centuries. Often, these two ideas are conflated, but they represent distinct and intricate aspects of human existence and divine interaction. This article aims to clarify the difference between these two concepts based on their biblical interpretation and theological understanding.

Free Will: A Gift from God

Free will, as defined in Christian theology, is the divine gift that allows individuals to make choices without external compulsion. The Bible affirms that God desires human beings to exercise choice in their relationship with Him. This is evident in Deuteronomy 30:19, where God says, 'I have put life and death before you, blessing and curse. Choose life, that you and your descendants may live.' This passage highlights that God offers a choice, and the individual is responsible for the decision they make.

Free will is portrayed as an opportunity for moral and spiritual growth. As the psalmist David writes in Psalm 51:10, 'Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.' This indicates that divine forgiveness and new beginnings are available to those who exercise their free will. Free will is not just about the absence of constraints but the presence of responsibility and accountability. It is the freedom to choose to walk in obedience to God's commands or to go astray out of one's own volition.

Original Sin: The First Human Disobedience

Original sin is a cornerstone concept in Christianity, but it is not a term found directly in the Bible. It refers to the state of being tainted with sin that resulted from the first human beings, Adam and Eve, choosing to disobey God. According to Genesis 3:6, 'When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.' This act of disobedience led to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden and the introduction of sin into the human lineage.

It is crucial to understand that the concept of original sin does not diminish free will. Adam and Eve did not forfeit free will when they chose to disobey; rather, their actions brought about a condition in which the rest of humanity is prone to sin. Theologian John Calvin stated, 'He [God] has decreed that in this state of freedom… they should remain and that they should be permitted to bring forth fruits according to their own will, good or bad.' This means that the fall of humanity did not eliminate the capability to choose, but rather it introduced the capacity to choose sin, perpetuating a fallen state.

Importantly, the Bible does not attribute individual sins to others. Romans 3:23 states, 'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,' acknowledging universal human solidarity in sin. However, Romans 5:12-21 emphasizes that the love of God is greater than the law of sin, and salvation is available through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through human works.

The Distinction Between Free Will and Original Sin

The primary distinction between free will and original sin is as follows:

Free Will: Represents the divine gift of choice and responsibility. It allows individuals to make decisions that reflect their character and values, promoting spiritual growth and moral accountability. Original Sin: Represents the inherent tendency towards sin that results from the disobedience of Adam and Eve. It is a inherited state of sinfulness, but not a deterministic force that removes free will.

Theologian Mark Dever states, 'Though all persons have sinned and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23; 5:12), and though Christ provided the salvation for all (John 3:16), people's actual salvation comes only through personal trust in Christ (Acts 16:31). Thus, we reject the false teaching that one is saved by merely being born into a God-fearing family or that an individual's acceptance of Christ happens automatically. Salvation is a personal, individual act of belief.' This further underscores the individual responsibility each person bears in their relationship with God.

In conclusion, the concepts of free will and original sin are not contradictory but rather complement each other, reflecting the complex nature of human existence within a divine framework. While free will provides the capacity for moral choice and growth, original sin signifies the inherent challenge of that choice in a fallen world. Both concepts call for a balance of responsibility and grace, inviting individuals to exercise their free will in a manner that honors the realm of divine will.