Chapter 1
The Capacity to Choose
A Study in the Volition of Man
God has invested man with great potential. He has given man the capacity to think, called intellect. In addition, man is given the ability to feel, called emotion. Finally, and the subject of this book, is the capacity to choose, called volition.
The purpose of this study is to determine the teaching of the Bible with respect to the will of man. In its simplest expression, volition looks at our capacity to exercise choices. The areas in which people are responsible for right choices are wide indeed. We are to reflect the will of God in both our actions and reactions to life situations. Our feelings about certain things and people are usually the result of a series of volitional responses, be they good or bad.
In such a presentation as this, perhaps the word volition waives a red flag at some who fear that volition itself is inherently in conflict with the sovereignty of God. Scripture teaches no such thing. God is sovereign in the most absolute sense, but this does not deny that this sovereign Creator gave man the ability and responsibility in the matter of making choices.
We must take seriously the fact that, as God’s creatures, He has a will for us. His word addresses us with many commands that direct us to act and react in a prescribed way. We have the capacity to reaffirm the goodness of God’s will or we may deny the goodness of His will.
We will discover that the proper use of the will is to exercise choice in such a manner that all the actions of life are a continual affirmation of the will of God. This is the opportunity that presented itself to Adam, and it is likewise the opportunity for every believer. It is with the aim of affirming the will of God that these pages are written.
The Importance of the Doctrine of Volition
A complete justification for the study of this doctrine could be sustained by reference to the massive confusion that exists in respect to the sovereignty of God and the will of man. Christianity could almost be divided into two camps over this issue alone. A balanced view of the sovereignty of God and the will of man is what we must seek.
The issue of the will of man and the will of God needs careful consideration in light of the biblical information we have. The repercussions of choices made contrary to the will of God, as well as the great blessing promised those who choose to conduct themselves in harmony with the will of God, fill the pages of Scripture.
Another reason for this study is the believer’s great concern for knowing the will of God. This is as it should be. The essence of a valid Christian experience is the alignment and submission of our wills to the plan of our Lord.
A good deal has been written with respect to finding the will of God. The majority of it is poorly supported from Scripture and therefore leads the believer into a sort of hand-wringing experience over the will of God rather than bringing us to certainty and assurance. Concern for the will of God should not lead us into great doubts about our choices or make us indecisive individuals. The maturing believer has an increasing capacity for wise and judicious choices that in turn lead to greater maturity.
Rare is the believer who has not asked, “Should I go ahead and make a decision or wait on God for some indication of what direction to take? And if I am to wait, how will I recognize that indication when it arrives?” Or “Since God has sovereign control of His universe, shouldn’t we just relax and go along for the ride and not concern ourselves with the decision-making process?” Scripture gives us abundant information to deal with these questions.
Volition: The Big Picture
Human volition cannot be understood when studied by itself. It is one of those truths that can be understood only in context with something else. It is somewhat like a college course that has prerequisites. To gain a proper perspective on human volition, three areas must be viewed together. They are the divine will, the satanic will, and the human will.
Listing the wills in this order is not arbitrary. This order reflects the chronological sequence of their appearance in the universe. Later in our study, we will trace the entry of the satanic and human wills.
This listing also reflects a power structure. God’s will is supreme and superior to that of Satan or humanity, and Satan’s will is superior in power to that of humanity. The will of God and the will of Satan must be considered in order to see the place of the will of humanity since either may influence it.
It is important to note, however, that Satan may not dominate a believer in such a way that he is a helpless victim. While demonic influence is a biblical reality and should never be underestimated, those so influenced came to this condition through a series of volitional responses that were contrary in every sense to the will of God. They are, therefore, responsible for the condition in which they find themselves.