What is libertarian free will?

by Matt Slick

Within Christian theology, libertarian free will is the philosophical position which states that a person who is a sinner and an unbeliever is capable, by an act of his or her free will, to be able to choose whether or not to believe in the God of the Bible and the person of Jesus Christ regarding salvation and thereby become a Christian. Libertarian free will recognizes the affect of sin on an individual, but states that the affect of that sin is not completely incapacitating so as to make impossible the free will choice of believing in the Christian gospel.

By contrast, compatibilist free will would state that the Scriptures negate the freedom of the unbeliever and declares that the unbeliever is a slave of sin (Romans 6:14-20) and cannot understand and perceive spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14). 

Libertarian free will |
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|		 Compatibilist free will
  • Free will is affected by human nature but retains ability to choose contrary to fallen nature and desires
  • Free will is affected by human nature but person cannot choose contrary to the fallen nature and desires

See "What is Free Will?"  and What is compatibilist free will?"

 

 

 

 
 
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