No, what it indicates is grace precedes salvation just like it says.
Salvation by grace through faith suggests that while God's grace is essential for salvation, individuals still have the free will to accept or reject that grace.
Is that what it says? Or do you insert free will where needed?
I do not insert free will as needed. I live free will.
I agree that the Bible teaches that salvation is always and only by grace through faith alone, but differ on how grace and faith are involved in salvation.
You do not agree on the relationship of God's sovereignty and mankind’s free will.
Some have stressed God’s sovereignty and held that only those whom God in his grace has predestined for salvation will be saved by faith; they contend that this salvation cannot be lost. IOW... thosugh they do not say this it is a OSAS mindset.
Other folks have stressed humankind’s free will and generally held that anyone who responds by faith to God’s grace gift of salvation can be saved and this is me. And I believe this salvation can be lost.
I definitely see the Bible setting forth both God’s sovereignty and humankind’s freedom of choice.
And even though you will argue these two truths are irreconcilable I still hold to both and often do so without any effort to reconcile them.
Yesterday was Reformation Sunday and certainly appropriate to read up again on John Knox....
I believe you know of him.... if not your should. John Knox was a very good friend of John Calvin and also a believer in predestination... John Knox also is considered the founder of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland, having played a key role in the Reformation that established the church in the 16th century.
Free Will in Knox's Theology
Human Will and Divine Sovereignty
While Knox affirmed the sovereignty of God in predestination, he also acknowledged the existence of human will. He argued that although God's eternal counsel decrees the fate of individuals, humans still possess a free will that operates within God's sovereign plan. This means that while God predestines, individuals are still responsible for their choices.
The Nature of Free Will
Knox believed that true freedom is found in aligning one's will with God's. He suggested that humans are free to choose good or evil, but their ability to choose good is ultimately enabled by God's grace. Thus, Knox's view of free will does not contradict his belief in predestination; rather, it complements it by highlighting the necessity of divine grace in human decision-making.
John Knox's Views on Free Will
General Beliefs
John Knox, held views that emphasized the sovereignty of God while also acknowledging human responsibility. He believed that while God is all-powerful, humans possess the ability to choose between good and evil.
Key Points on Free Will
- Human Responsibility: Knox argued that individuals have the freedom to choose their actions. He maintained that God created humans with the capacity to make moral choices, which is essential for genuine faith and repentance.
- Divine Sovereignty: While affirming free will, Knox also emphasized that God's will ultimately governs all things. He believed that God's providence does not negate human choice but rather works through it.
- Predestination: Knox's views on predestination suggest that while God has a plan for salvation, individuals still have the opportunity to respond to God's call. He argued that God's mercy is available to all who genuinely seek it.
Conclusion
Knox's theology presents a balance between divine sovereignty and human free will, asserting that while God is in control, humans are still accountable for their choices. This perspective was significant in shaping Reformed thought during the Reformation.
He also was instrumental in creating the new ecclesiastical order and the Scots Confession of Faith, which defined its beliefs and practices.
But I will stop now for this says what I believe and how I do so.
Meaning: One thing happens or exists because of another.
