The question “How can God be both all-knowing and allow free will?” touches on one of the profound mysteries of Christian theology: the relationship between God’s omniscience (knowing all things) and human free will. Here is a response that addresses this question by exploring God’s knowledge, human freedom, and how they coexist according to Christian beliefs.
1. God’s Omniscience: Knowing All Without Controlling All
In Christian theology, God’s omniscience means He knows everything—past, present, and future (Psalm 139:4, Hebrews 4:13). This includes knowing all possible choices a person might make and the outcomes of those choices. However, God’s knowledge is not the same as causation. Knowing an event will happen doesn’t mean causing it to happen. For instance, a teacher might know a student will fail a test if they don’t study, but this knowledge doesn’t cause the student to fail; it’s the student’s choice that leads to the outcome.
Biblical Insight: In Deuteronomy 30:19, God sets before Israel the choice of life or death, blessing or curse, urging them to “choose life.” This demonstrates that, while God knows the outcomes of human choices, He allows people the freedom to decide.
2. Free Will as Essential to Love and Relationship
Free will is foundational to love, and in Christian theology, God desires a genuine relationship with humanity. Love that is forced or predetermined would lack authenticity. Free will allows people to choose or reject a relationship with God, making their choice meaningful.
Theological Perspective: Theologian C.S. Lewis argued that free will is necessary for true love and goodness. God’s knowledge of our choices doesn’t override our freedom to make them, allowing us to have a real, personal relationship with Him rather than one that is predetermined.
3. God’s Perspective on Time and Eternity
God’s knowledge is often understood in light of His timeless nature. Unlike humans, who experience time linearly, God exists outside of time and sees all events—past, present, and future—simultaneously (Isaiah 46:10). This concept, known as eternal now, suggests that God’s knowledge of future events doesn’t interfere with human freedom, as He simply “sees” what humans will freely choose from His eternal perspective.
Apologetic Insight: Philosopher William Lane Craig explains that God’s knowledge of future events is analogous to observing a parade from above, where one can see the beginning, middle, and end simultaneously. This perspective doesn’t change the choices made by those in the parade but allows for a complete understanding.
4. God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
Christianity teaches that God is both sovereign and relational, meaning He directs history according to His purpose while allowing human responsibility. The Bible presents examples of people making choices with real consequences, showing that God’s plans are compatible with human freedom. In Genesis, Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery, yet God uses this act to accomplish His greater purpose of saving lives during a famine (Genesis 50:20). This shows that God can work through human choices without violating free will.
Biblical Example: In Acts 2:23, Peter speaks of Jesus’ crucifixion as part of God’s “definite plan and foreknowledge,” yet those involved still made free choices. God’s sovereignty worked in concert with human actions to bring about salvation.
5. The Mystery of God’s Ways
While there are many philosophical and theological approaches to understanding free will and omniscience, Christianity also acknowledges the mystery of God’s nature. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” Human understanding is limited, and God’s relationship with time, knowledge, and freedom may be beyond complete comprehension.
Conclusion
In summary, Christianity holds that God’s all-knowing nature and human free will coexist because God’s knowledge does not cause or control human choices. He knows all possible outcomes without interfering with our freedom, allowing for real relationships and meaningful choices. God’s perspective on time and His desire for love make room for both His omniscience and our free will. Thus, while God fully knows our choices, He allows us the freedom to make them, demonstrating His respect for human dignity and His desire for genuine relationship.