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Critical Concern
Decision Making and the Will of God: A Biblical Alternative to the Traditional View
Does God Have a Perfect Will for Your Life?
Does God have a perfect will for each Christian? Can you be absolutely certain of God’s specific will for your life? In this expanded twenty-fifth anniversary edition of his highly acclaimed work, Garry Friesen examines the prevalent view on God’s will today and provides a sound biblical alternative to the traditional teaching of how God guides us. This new edition includes these helpful resources:
• Study guide for small groups
• Responses to Frequently Asked Questions
• Guide to painless Scripture memorization
Friesen tackles the very practical issues of choosing a mate, picking a career, and giving in this fresh and liberating approach to decision making and the will of God.
Story Behind the Book
Most Christians have been taught how to find God’s will, yet many are still unsure whether they’ve found it. God does guide His people, but the question is, “How does He guide?” After “putting out a fleece” to decide which college to attend, Garry Friesen began pondering why it was so hard to find God’s will when he had so sincerely sought it. Was he the only one who did not have 100 percent clarity for every decision? Then a new possibility struck—perhaps his understanding of the nature of God’s will was biblically deficient. Maybe there was a better way to understand HOW God guides.
Does God have a perfect will for each Christian? Can you be absolutely certain of God’s specific will for your life? In this expanded twenty-fifth anniversary edition of his highly acclaimed work, Garry Friesen examines the prevalent view on God’s will today and provides a sound biblical alternative to the traditional teaching of how God guides us. This new edition includes these helpful resources:
• Study guide for small groups
• Responses to Frequently Asked Questions
• Guide to painless Scripture memorization
Friesen tackles the very practical issues of choosing a mate, picking a career, and giving in this fresh and liberating approach to decision making and the will of God.
Story Behind the Book
Most Christians have been taught how to find God’s will, yet many are still unsure whether they’ve found it. God does guide His people, but the question is, “How does He guide?” After “putting out a fleece” to decide which college to attend, Garry Friesen began pondering why it was so hard to find God’s will when he had so sincerely sought it. Was he the only one who did not have 100 percent clarity for every decision? Then a new possibility struck—perhaps his understanding of the nature of God’s will was biblically deficient. Maybe there was a better way to understand HOW God guides.
528 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
January 10, 2021
As a follower of Christ, does God have an individual will for my life that I am expected to decipher? Before I read Dr. Friesen’s book, I would have answered yes and explained – using many buzzwords like “still small voice” and “center of God’s will” – that this opaque search is something you get better at as you spiritually mature.
Yet my personal experience was not matching this, and I started wondering that if God were concerned about guiding me in the big things in life (school, career, marriage, etc.), then He would also be concerned about the little things, right? As I reduced it farther down, I found the result both absurd (what socks should I wear today, Lord?) and inert (you can wait a long time on the Spirit to prompt you on your argyles).
This book sets up a historical context of the view of decision making based in wisdom and then patiently walks the reader through the Biblical evidence of the wisdom view while explaining both sides. I highly recommend it, and as a supplement, I also endorse Greg Koukl’s teaching on this topic:Decision Making & The Will of GodandFrom Truth To Experience(both found atwww.str.org).
Yet my personal experience was not matching this, and I started wondering that if God were concerned about guiding me in the big things in life (school, career, marriage, etc.), then He would also be concerned about the little things, right? As I reduced it farther down, I found the result both absurd (what socks should I wear today, Lord?) and inert (you can wait a long time on the Spirit to prompt you on your argyles).
This book sets up a historical context of the view of decision making based in wisdom and then patiently walks the reader through the Biblical evidence of the wisdom view while explaining both sides. I highly recommend it, and as a supplement, I also endorse Greg Koukl’s teaching on this topic:Decision Making & The Will of GodandFrom Truth To Experience(both found atwww.str.org).
June 25, 2017
This was a bit of preaching to the choir because I went in agreeing with the author but I still enjoyed it. Somewhat dated but challenging, nonetheless.
September 12, 2011
One of the truly scary things about religion is the way people can use it to justify the most outrageous and indefensible claims about what we should do and what we should think. This book teaches a much more logical religion, and one that takes a lot of this danger away.
It astounded me when I was a Bible college student back in 1982 how many different people firmly and sincerely believed they had been the honoured by direct revelations from God that were so self-serving. A beautiful woman would find three or four guys who believed God had promised her to each of them. Less attractive women wouldn't have the same problem. Whenever someone believed God's will was a particular career, it was always a glamorous one - God never seemed to have it in His plan for someone to pump gas or flip burgers.
I believedGod had told meHe wanted me to be a pastor (to me this was a powerful and prestigious career) and promised me the hand of a certain attractive woman I knew. Then I read this book. Although it burst my bubble and threw my aspirations into turmoil, I had to accept the arguments this book made.
Friesen presented the popular view that you could let God make all your decisions for you - you just had to find out what He wanted. Then Friesen ripped it apart. I don't know how any rational person could argue with him.
It astounded me when I was a Bible college student back in 1982 how many different people firmly and sincerely believed they had been the honoured by direct revelations from God that were so self-serving. A beautiful woman would find three or four guys who believed God had promised her to each of them. Less attractive women wouldn't have the same problem. Whenever someone believed God's will was a particular career, it was always a glamorous one - God never seemed to have it in His plan for someone to pump gas or flip burgers.
I believedGod had told meHe wanted me to be a pastor (to me this was a powerful and prestigious career) and promised me the hand of a certain attractive woman I knew. Then I read this book. Although it burst my bubble and threw my aspirations into turmoil, I had to accept the arguments this book made.
Friesen presented the popular view that you could let God make all your decisions for you - you just had to find out what He wanted. Then Friesen ripped it apart. I don't know how any rational person could argue with him.
December 9, 2018
What a powder-keg! If taken as the author intended, this book is one if the most important books I've read in my Christian Life.
Some have taken Friesen to places he never intended and lunched themselves into Christian hedonism. This book does not promote that.
It does promote the development of wisdom, and making sound decisions based on Scripture, logic, and counsel. It's been a great help for me to not only make decisions but to guide those who ask for counsel.
Some have taken Friesen to places he never intended and lunched themselves into Christian hedonism. This book does not promote that.
It does promote the development of wisdom, and making sound decisions based on Scripture, logic, and counsel. It's been a great help for me to not only make decisions but to guide those who ask for counsel.
March 19, 2022
This book compares the traditional view that God has a specific individual plan for your life that you have to figure out and live out...
Vs "the way of wisdom" as in Christians have the liberty to choose within God's moral will revealed in the Bible. It argues that God has already shown and given us all the tools and commands to live and make decisions that please Him. There's no need to worry whether you've missed God's plan for your life or chosen the second-best option. It explores verses, gives examples, and has lots of summary and diagrams!
What I've learnt from this book is that trying to find out what God has called me to do in life is futile. Why do I ask God's plan for me about the big decisions in life but not the everyday ones? I'm not being consistent. The book shaped my thinking to understand that God has given commands, boundaries, and principles in the Bible to make any decision. I am free to choose so long as I do not sin 1. Against God's word 2. Against my conscience. Yet with this freedom, I am still held accountable for my actions before God, and responsible for the consequences. And my freedom is bound by love for others and God. There's so much in the Christian life to enjoy!
You are free to decide how you think about this matter!
"One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
Romans 14:5-8
Vs "the way of wisdom" as in Christians have the liberty to choose within God's moral will revealed in the Bible. It argues that God has already shown and given us all the tools and commands to live and make decisions that please Him. There's no need to worry whether you've missed God's plan for your life or chosen the second-best option. It explores verses, gives examples, and has lots of summary and diagrams!
What I've learnt from this book is that trying to find out what God has called me to do in life is futile. Why do I ask God's plan for me about the big decisions in life but not the everyday ones? I'm not being consistent. The book shaped my thinking to understand that God has given commands, boundaries, and principles in the Bible to make any decision. I am free to choose so long as I do not sin 1. Against God's word 2. Against my conscience. Yet with this freedom, I am still held accountable for my actions before God, and responsible for the consequences. And my freedom is bound by love for others and God. There's so much in the Christian life to enjoy!
You are free to decide how you think about this matter!
"One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
Romans 14:5-8
February 26, 2011
Oh, hi!
So the funny thing about this book is that I picked it up at a used book sale a few years ago, when I was debating in my mind about the whole "will o' God" thing. Since that time, I have settled my conclusions in my mind, and they are pretty much the same as what the book wanted to convince me to believe. So it turned out I didn't need to read the book at all!
The main point (okay...the only point) of the book is that God does not have a specific will for your life. He doesn't intend for you to be a dentist and marry Judy and move to Oregon. (There are too many dentists there anyway.) Instead, God gives us guidance for wisdom and moral decision making in Scripture and lets us do the best with what we got. It's not that profound, but I had a lot of influences around me saying that you need to "find the will of God" in every situation, and that is a lot of pressure. I've since decided that the will of God is just to do the best with what you have, and the book says, "Hey, that's great!"
In conclusion, thanks for reading my review. Now you don't have to read the book yourself!
3/5 because it was good, but I wouldn't read it again.
So the funny thing about this book is that I picked it up at a used book sale a few years ago, when I was debating in my mind about the whole "will o' God" thing. Since that time, I have settled my conclusions in my mind, and they are pretty much the same as what the book wanted to convince me to believe. So it turned out I didn't need to read the book at all!
The main point (okay...the only point) of the book is that God does not have a specific will for your life. He doesn't intend for you to be a dentist and marry Judy and move to Oregon. (There are too many dentists there anyway.) Instead, God gives us guidance for wisdom and moral decision making in Scripture and lets us do the best with what we got. It's not that profound, but I had a lot of influences around me saying that you need to "find the will of God" in every situation, and that is a lot of pressure. I've since decided that the will of God is just to do the best with what you have, and the book says, "Hey, that's great!"
In conclusion, thanks for reading my review. Now you don't have to read the book yourself!
3/5 because it was good, but I wouldn't read it again.
August 7, 2017
Friesen presents a thorough and responsible examination of the biblical data regarding divine guidance and decision making. The "traditional view" to which he offers an alternative teaches that each Christian must discern God's one, perfect, individual will for his or her life in order to faithfully make decisions. Friesen dubs his alternative "The Way of Wisdom", which follows four principles:
1. Where God commands, we must obey.
2. Where there is no command, God gives us the freedom (and responsibility) to decide.
3. Where there is no command, God gives us the wisdom to decide.
4. When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work the details together for good.
These principles of decision making—along with their application and an explanation/critique of the traditional view—are clearly and helpfully expounded upon in Decision Making. This book provides a truly beneficial and challenging way to approach decision making as a Christian.
1. Where God commands, we must obey.
2. Where there is no command, God gives us the freedom (and responsibility) to decide.
3. Where there is no command, God gives us the wisdom to decide.
4. When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work the details together for good.
These principles of decision making—along with their application and an explanation/critique of the traditional view—are clearly and helpfully expounded upon in Decision Making. This book provides a truly beneficial and challenging way to approach decision making as a Christian.
December 29, 2008
Next to the Bible probably the most important book any modern Christian should read. Will correct many misinterpretations of scripture. When we speak of God's will for your life - it is the same as God's will for my life. It is fully revealed to us already as his moral will and has nothing to do with what we wear, our occupation, who we choose for our spouse, where we go on vacation, etc. Too many people worry about these things - when we are free to choose and competent to choose these things for ourselves. God does not care whom you marry, just that you treat your spouse in the manner explained in his moral will (scripture). Excellent presentation.
March 15, 2016
A very thorough book on the will of God. Friesen's conclusion is that we should use wisdom to make good decisions within God's commands rather than attempting to find God's "perfect will" for our lives. I agree with the bulk of his arguments, though some of the specifics of his application are a bit off, in my opinion. This book is still a very good read that will either challenge your interpretation of the Biblical will of God or (as in my case) confirm it.
December 7, 2015
I wish I could give this book higher ratings. The first 100 pages changed my opinion on decision making and were freeing. But the rest of the book (another 323 pages) felt extremely repetitive. It turned into a book on wisdom and what wisdom is in different areas of life. I think this book could be two completely separate books or shortened to 150-200 pages. But I recommend everyone to read the first 100.
May 29, 2009
Excellent.
October 15, 2016
There are only 2 problems with this book. One is that that he labels "traditional" the view that I can discover the perfect will of of God for my life by learning to discern which of the voices in my head is actually the voice of God speaking to my heart. This idea is actually relatively recent (since the Keswick movement in the 1870s). He systematically demolishes this view in favor of the biblical view of wisdom for decision-making. The other problem is that this book is very thorough. Not everyone will need to read the entire book to understand that Friesen is correct. But a reader that subscribes to the all too common "traditional" concept should just keep reading until convinced.
December 3, 2014
All this seemed utterly obvious to me. However, lots of people should read this, because I hear these fallacies a lot.
April 23, 2022
Garry Friesen starts out his book by explaining the traditional view of discerning God’s will, he then proceeds to critique this view in light of Scripture and offers a more Biblical approach which he calls “the way of wisdom.”
Part 1
The Traditional View Explained
I do not see a misrepresentation of the traditional view, the author has tried to avoid making straw man arguments throughout the book; when Garry Friesen explains the traditional view, he explains it like a proponent of this view would, and he answers common objections or questions about the traditional view at the end of the outline.
The traditional view, which is explained in the first chapter, boils down to three main points:
1. God’s sovereign will- The secret plan that determines everything that happens in the universe. Since his will is secret, we do not have access to it, and it doesn’t affect our decision making.
2. God’s moral will- God’s commands that are already revealed in the Bible.
3. God’s individual will– God’s ideal, detailed, life-plan that is designed for each person. Proponents of this view believe that God guides believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit who progressively reveals God’s life-plan to the heart of the believer through various means.
The author doesn’t critique the first two points, since they are Biblical and true, instead he critiques the third point: God’sindividualwill for believers.
Proponents of this view believe that within God’s moral will, which is revealed in Scripture, there exists an individual will (which the author simply refers to as “the dot” ). Therefore, choosing apart from this will results in “missing the dot.” Missing the dot is described as experiencing God’s second best, or living within God’s permissive will. You are not sinning, but you are missing out on “God’s best” in that specific decision.
Part 2
The Traditional View Critiqued
The author confesses that thereareoccurrences in the New Testament that involved guidance that was more specific than the general commands of Scripture, but he invites the reader to question whether these occurrences made it prescriptive or descriptive: do the occurrences prove that it isnormativeChristian behaviour?
Garry offers several weaknesses with this view, one of them is the insufficiency of recorded cases. There simply aren’t enough experiences to prove that it is normative. Paul was given specific guidance a few times, and yet there are examples of him determining which decision was wise and best (Acts 15:36; Acts 20:16; Romans 1:10-13; 1 Corinthians 16:4-9; 2 Corinthians 1:15-2:4). If specific guidance was normative, why wouldn’t the Apostle Paul, of all people, rely of direct guidance through supernatural revelation inallhis decisions? Direct guidance was the exception to the rule, even for the Apostle Paul. It is also evident that supernatural guidance was given to special people who played a key role in evangelisation and the spreading of the Gospel, and it was provided at critical moments during the formative years of the church.
In an attempt to justify “the dot,” many proponents of this view appeal to Scripture in order to support their view, but the author deals with some of the most popular verses. One of the verses used to defend the traditional view is John 10:27. Many Charismatics, in particular, appeal to this verse, but the context of John 10 reveals that Jesus’ parable was aboutsalvation,and notguidance.This is clearly evident when you compare verse 27 with the verse that precedes and succeeds it: the content of verse 26 is about the Jewish leadersnot believing,and verse 28 is abouteternal life.People who use this verse as justificationassumethat God’s voice is an impression in the heart, whereas Jesus was referring to His actual spoken words and the message of salvation. This is an excellent example of eisegesis (reading your own theology and ideasintoScripture) and not exegesis (interpretingoutof Scripture). Garry Friesen deals with several other verses like this in the second section of the book, at the end you will most likely be reminded of how importantcontextis.
The Christians who attempt to seek God’s direction in the decisions they make don’t really seek his direction ineverydecision, instead they end up prioritising the important decisions over the ordinary decisions. People seek God’s will when they want to know whom to marry, which school to go to, where to live, and which vocation to choose, but the traditional view is abandoned when it comes to deciding what to wear for the day, what to have for lunch, where to sit in class, where to buy gas, and which cologne to wear. In the ordinary decisions that we make throughout the day, the traditional view must be abandoned.
When it comes to the ordinary and small decisions where no command is involved, all Christians make decisions based on what is best to them at the time. A line needs to be drawn to separate the important decisions from the ordinary decisions, and what is considered “important” and “ordinary” may vary from person to person. But if God has a specific will for everyone, does he have a specific will for the ordinary and small decisions in life? The traditional view is liveable only when it is abandoned when it comes to making the minor decisions in life.
The author presents several problems with this view, one of my favourites by far isthe problem of equal opportunity.When presented with two equal options, instead of rejoicing that he has two good opportunities, the Christian will be anxious about “missing the dot.” He will have anxiety because only one option isbelievedto be correct.
Another favourite of mine isthe problem of subjectivity.Garry defines the word “subjective” this way: an opinion that cannot be substantiated by an objective source of truth. God has provided two sources of objective truth for people to know His will: His Word, and direct revelation.
Problem 1: The Bible only reveals God’s moral will.
Problem 2: Direct revelation (God’s verbal communication to the individual) is not to be sought or expected.
Problems 1 & 2 present us with a dilemma, how are we to know what God’s individual will for a specific decision is with certainty? The proponent of the traditional view would have to rely onsubjectiveelements to determine what God’s will is for a specific decision. Therefore, since there is noobjectivesource to obtain knowledge from according to the traditional view, there is no way we could have certainty about what God’s specific will is for a particular decision. Garry sums it up this way:
Part 3
The Wisdom View Explained
In this section of the book, the author begins by giving an outline of the “wisdom view.” This is the largest section of the book, each point is broken into smaller sections and carefully explained.
1.Where God commands, we must obey.
2.Where there is no command, God gives us freedom (and responsibility) to choose.
3.Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom to choose.
4.When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work all the details together for good.
The importance of the moral will of God, which is already revealed in Scripture, is emphasised throughout this section. To know what is moral, one would need to read the Bible, but simply reading the Bible isn’t enough, you will need tounderstandandrememberwhat God’s moral will is. Studying and memorising God’s word is an important factor in the wisdom view.
When there are no commands given, Garry believes that God has given usfreedomandresponsibilityto choose. If our goals, attitudes, and intentions are right, and if we are not breaking God’s moral law, then we cannot sin in our decisions. This freedom should delight us, not give us anxiety in decision making.
Ultimately, when all things are said and done, when we have followed God’s revealed will in Scripture, when we have listened to the counsel of our elders, and when we have made decisions according to the wisdom God has given us, we must trust in God’s sovereignty in working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). God is not obligated to reveal his sovereign plan to us ahead of time, He requires us only to adhere to the moral commands already given and to be wise, God will secretly guide in everything else.
As the book progresses, Gary defines what Biblical guidance is. These are the four distinctive ways God guides:
1. Moral Guidance:In Moral areas God guides by Scriptural command.
2. Wisdom Guidance:Where there is no command, God gives freedom and wisdom sufficient for every decision.
3. Sovereign Guidance:God secretly guides by working all events together for the believer’s good.
4. Special Guidance:In rare cases God may supernaturally reveal (by voice, angel, or dream) a divine command to a specific person.
The author explains how there’s an active and passive element to God’s guidance: seeking God’s moral will is active, whereas trusting God to be sovereign is passive. God does not promise to tell us all the right decisions, He guides us as sons and daughters, not as robots. Unlike the first three forms of guidance, the fourth is not promised, and it is not the norm. God knows when to give it, and if it isn’t given, we should trust that it isn’t needed, and move ahead with our plans with confidence (Chapter Fifteen is devoted to special guidance and decision making).
At the end of the chapter dedicated to special guidance, Garry mentions a common question: since God gave special guidance through prophets in the Old and New Testaments, what are we to do when men and women claim to make prophetic pronouncements today? Garry believes that prophetic pronouncements in the Bible were not only consistent with previous revelation (and therefore, nonheretical), but it also came with a supernatural confirmation that authenticated the messenger; the supernatural sign gave people evidence ofsupernatural connections,and it gave people areasonto believe the message was from God. Moses never expected the people to believe him because he had seen a burning bush, God gave him signs so that it would be indisputable (Exodus 4:1-9). The following quote is from the book:
Unsurprisingly, the traditional view has inadvertently invented a new category of revelation and authority with people claiming to haveinner impressionsof God speaking to them. However, inner impressions are not supernatural revelation, and they are not authoritative. The following quote was taken from the same chapter:
Christians who use inner impressions as guidance confuse me, are they assuming these impressions have the same level of authority as the supernatural revelation given to the Apostles? If so, these inner impressions are equal to Scripture. But if inner impressions are equal to Scripture, then the Bible isn’t special at all. Most proponents of this view are charismatics, but the vast majority of them—even though they seem to be confused about this topic—don’treallybelieve there’s new revelation today, they don’t believe their inner impressions are equal to the Bible, those who believe that are in fringe groups. But if these inner impressions are not supernatural revelations, then why would it be authoritative? Authoritative nonrevelation is indeed contradictory.
Garry’s logic is flawless here. I have condensed his thoughts into a simple syllogism:
Premise 1:Authoritative commands from God are that which come fromsupernatural revelations.
Premise 2:No inner impressions aresupernatural revelations.
Conclusion:Therefore, no inner impressions are authoritative commands from God.
The terms are clear and unambiguous, the premises are true, and the reasoning is logically valid. From these two premises, the conclusion logically follows.
Knowing God
Sometimes we can be more focused on what God wants us to do than we are about knowing God, but Garry disagrees with that line of thinking,knowing God is more important:
Part 4
The Wisdom View Applied
Garry covers many topics in the fourth section, he also answers frequently asked questions and common objections at the end of each chapter. The topics he covers include: singleness, marriage, vocation, and giving. Each topic gets an entire chapter dedicated to it. He also has an insightful chapter written about wisdom when Christians differ with each other.
The topic on Marriage is one of my favourites in this section, Garry writes about it extensively, but he mentions something interesting about the right/wrong person in an earlier section of the book (Part 2, Chapter six), and I wanted to add it here so that it is linked to everything else he says about marriage in Part 4:
Is there such a thing as a “right” person? Is “The One” a Biblical concept? Garry does not think so, and neither do I. Nonbelievers and Christians alike share this belief, but on what does a nonbeliever base this belief on? From a non-Christian perspective, there is no logical reason to believe in such a concept. Moreover, there is nothing in the Bible to sustain such a belief for a Christian, and yet I’ve met many Christians who talk about finding “The One” God has specially prepared for them. The logic of this, however, is maddening! If I was married to the wrong person, then my wife would also be married to the wrong person. Furthermore, the person I should have married would also be married to the wrong person since I was unavailable. This would also mean my “wrongly chosen” wife has caused the same problem for the man she should have married, the man designed by God specially for her. The possibility of such a chain reaction according to this belief would result in relationships around the whole world being in disorder: one wrong marriage could potentially ruin and destroy the lives ofmanypeople. If each person had one specific person prepared for them, why shouldmybad decision ruin the lives of other people? Similarly, why shouldsomeone else’sbad decision ruin my life?
This sort of idea about marriage can give a Christian unnecessary pressure, and it can be overwhelming and damaging in the long run.
Garry believes the Bible gives us moral guidelines and wisdom when it comes to deciding whom to marry, he also believes Christians havefreedomto choose within those guidelines. According to 1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul says a woman is bound to her husband for as long as he lives, but if her husband dies, she is free to marrywhoevershe wants as long as he is in the Lord. There is freedom implied within the moral commands of God for all Christians in this one verse. According to Garry,
Concluding remarks:
I think this book is amazing. There is a lot more to this book than what I have covered, I’ve tried to succinctly summarise Garry’s points, but my review pales in comparison to the actual book.
Topics related to decision making are explored in depth, the book is detailed, and it is easy to read: I didn’t encounter anything ambiguous or confusing. I also think every Christian should read this book at least once, regardless of what their views are on discernment.
Soli Deo Gloria
Part 1
The Traditional View Explained
I do not see a misrepresentation of the traditional view, the author has tried to avoid making straw man arguments throughout the book; when Garry Friesen explains the traditional view, he explains it like a proponent of this view would, and he answers common objections or questions about the traditional view at the end of the outline.
The traditional view, which is explained in the first chapter, boils down to three main points:
1. God’s sovereign will- The secret plan that determines everything that happens in the universe. Since his will is secret, we do not have access to it, and it doesn’t affect our decision making.
2. God’s moral will- God’s commands that are already revealed in the Bible.
3. God’s individual will– God’s ideal, detailed, life-plan that is designed for each person. Proponents of this view believe that God guides believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit who progressively reveals God’s life-plan to the heart of the believer through various means.
The author doesn’t critique the first two points, since they are Biblical and true, instead he critiques the third point: God’sindividualwill for believers.
Proponents of this view believe that within God’s moral will, which is revealed in Scripture, there exists an individual will (which the author simply refers to as “the dot” ). Therefore, choosing apart from this will results in “missing the dot.” Missing the dot is described as experiencing God’s second best, or living within God’s permissive will. You are not sinning, but you are missing out on “God’s best” in that specific decision.
Part 2
The Traditional View Critiqued
The author confesses that thereareoccurrences in the New Testament that involved guidance that was more specific than the general commands of Scripture, but he invites the reader to question whether these occurrences made it prescriptive or descriptive: do the occurrences prove that it isnormativeChristian behaviour?
Garry offers several weaknesses with this view, one of them is the insufficiency of recorded cases. There simply aren’t enough experiences to prove that it is normative. Paul was given specific guidance a few times, and yet there are examples of him determining which decision was wise and best (Acts 15:36; Acts 20:16; Romans 1:10-13; 1 Corinthians 16:4-9; 2 Corinthians 1:15-2:4). If specific guidance was normative, why wouldn’t the Apostle Paul, of all people, rely of direct guidance through supernatural revelation inallhis decisions? Direct guidance was the exception to the rule, even for the Apostle Paul. It is also evident that supernatural guidance was given to special people who played a key role in evangelisation and the spreading of the Gospel, and it was provided at critical moments during the formative years of the church.
In an attempt to justify “the dot,” many proponents of this view appeal to Scripture in order to support their view, but the author deals with some of the most popular verses. One of the verses used to defend the traditional view is John 10:27. Many Charismatics, in particular, appeal to this verse, but the context of John 10 reveals that Jesus’ parable was aboutsalvation,and notguidance.This is clearly evident when you compare verse 27 with the verse that precedes and succeeds it: the content of verse 26 is about the Jewish leadersnot believing,and verse 28 is abouteternal life.People who use this verse as justificationassumethat God’s voice is an impression in the heart, whereas Jesus was referring to His actual spoken words and the message of salvation. This is an excellent example of eisegesis (reading your own theology and ideasintoScripture) and not exegesis (interpretingoutof Scripture). Garry Friesen deals with several other verses like this in the second section of the book, at the end you will most likely be reminded of how importantcontextis.
The Christians who attempt to seek God’s direction in the decisions they make don’t really seek his direction ineverydecision, instead they end up prioritising the important decisions over the ordinary decisions. People seek God’s will when they want to know whom to marry, which school to go to, where to live, and which vocation to choose, but the traditional view is abandoned when it comes to deciding what to wear for the day, what to have for lunch, where to sit in class, where to buy gas, and which cologne to wear. In the ordinary decisions that we make throughout the day, the traditional view must be abandoned.
When it comes to the ordinary and small decisions where no command is involved, all Christians make decisions based on what is best to them at the time. A line needs to be drawn to separate the important decisions from the ordinary decisions, and what is considered “important” and “ordinary” may vary from person to person. But if God has a specific will for everyone, does he have a specific will for the ordinary and small decisions in life? The traditional view is liveable only when it is abandoned when it comes to making the minor decisions in life.
The author presents several problems with this view, one of my favourites by far isthe problem of equal opportunity.When presented with two equal options, instead of rejoicing that he has two good opportunities, the Christian will be anxious about “missing the dot.” He will have anxiety because only one option isbelievedto be correct.
Another favourite of mine isthe problem of subjectivity.Garry defines the word “subjective” this way: an opinion that cannot be substantiated by an objective source of truth. God has provided two sources of objective truth for people to know His will: His Word, and direct revelation.
Problem 1: The Bible only reveals God’s moral will.
Problem 2: Direct revelation (God’s verbal communication to the individual) is not to be sought or expected.
Problems 1 & 2 present us with a dilemma, how are we to know what God’s individual will for a specific decision is with certainty? The proponent of the traditional view would have to rely onsubjectiveelements to determine what God’s will is for a specific decision. Therefore, since there is noobjectivesource to obtain knowledge from according to the traditional view, there is no way we could have certainty about what God’s specific will is for a particular decision. Garry sums it up this way:
“…. if the source of our knowledge is subjective, then the knowledge will also be subjective and therefore uncertain.”
Part 3
The Wisdom View Explained
In this section of the book, the author begins by giving an outline of the “wisdom view.” This is the largest section of the book, each point is broken into smaller sections and carefully explained.
1.Where God commands, we must obey.
2.Where there is no command, God gives us freedom (and responsibility) to choose.
3.Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom to choose.
4.When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work all the details together for good.
The importance of the moral will of God, which is already revealed in Scripture, is emphasised throughout this section. To know what is moral, one would need to read the Bible, but simply reading the Bible isn’t enough, you will need tounderstandandrememberwhat God’s moral will is. Studying and memorising God’s word is an important factor in the wisdom view.
When there are no commands given, Garry believes that God has given usfreedomandresponsibilityto choose. If our goals, attitudes, and intentions are right, and if we are not breaking God’s moral law, then we cannot sin in our decisions. This freedom should delight us, not give us anxiety in decision making.
Ultimately, when all things are said and done, when we have followed God’s revealed will in Scripture, when we have listened to the counsel of our elders, and when we have made decisions according to the wisdom God has given us, we must trust in God’s sovereignty in working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). God is not obligated to reveal his sovereign plan to us ahead of time, He requires us only to adhere to the moral commands already given and to be wise, God will secretly guide in everything else.
As the book progresses, Gary defines what Biblical guidance is. These are the four distinctive ways God guides:
1. Moral Guidance:In Moral areas God guides by Scriptural command.
2. Wisdom Guidance:Where there is no command, God gives freedom and wisdom sufficient for every decision.
3. Sovereign Guidance:God secretly guides by working all events together for the believer’s good.
4. Special Guidance:In rare cases God may supernaturally reveal (by voice, angel, or dream) a divine command to a specific person.
The author explains how there’s an active and passive element to God’s guidance: seeking God’s moral will is active, whereas trusting God to be sovereign is passive. God does not promise to tell us all the right decisions, He guides us as sons and daughters, not as robots. Unlike the first three forms of guidance, the fourth is not promised, and it is not the norm. God knows when to give it, and if it isn’t given, we should trust that it isn’t needed, and move ahead with our plans with confidence (Chapter Fifteen is devoted to special guidance and decision making).
At the end of the chapter dedicated to special guidance, Garry mentions a common question: since God gave special guidance through prophets in the Old and New Testaments, what are we to do when men and women claim to make prophetic pronouncements today? Garry believes that prophetic pronouncements in the Bible were not only consistent with previous revelation (and therefore, nonheretical), but it also came with a supernatural confirmation that authenticated the messenger; the supernatural sign gave people evidence ofsupernatural connections,and it gave people areasonto believe the message was from God. Moses never expected the people to believe him because he had seen a burning bush, God gave him signs so that it would be indisputable (Exodus 4:1-9). The following quote is from the book:
“Let me boldly state the obvious: If you are not sure whether you heard directly from God, you didn’t. If you had, it would not only be crystal clear to you, but God would also supernaturally supply you with ways to confirm that message to others. Both tests are necessary. If the miraculous sign is absent, you will always be uncertain. The test of harmony with Scripture is necessary, but it is not enough. The scriptural test will keep you from heresy, but it will not keep you from stupidity.”
Unsurprisingly, the traditional view has inadvertently invented a new category of revelation and authority with people claiming to haveinner impressionsof God speaking to them. However, inner impressions are not supernatural revelation, and they are not authoritative. The following quote was taken from the same chapter:
“…So when someone says, ‘God told me in my heart,’ if it seems appropriate, I will ask him precisely what he means. ‘Did you receive supernatural revelation? Do you mean that you are applying God’s moral will to your situation?’ If he means neither of these, he is assuming a third category that is self-contradictory. ‘Authoritative nonrevelation’ is an oxymoron.”
Christians who use inner impressions as guidance confuse me, are they assuming these impressions have the same level of authority as the supernatural revelation given to the Apostles? If so, these inner impressions are equal to Scripture. But if inner impressions are equal to Scripture, then the Bible isn’t special at all. Most proponents of this view are charismatics, but the vast majority of them—even though they seem to be confused about this topic—don’treallybelieve there’s new revelation today, they don’t believe their inner impressions are equal to the Bible, those who believe that are in fringe groups. But if these inner impressions are not supernatural revelations, then why would it be authoritative? Authoritative nonrevelation is indeed contradictory.
Garry’s logic is flawless here. I have condensed his thoughts into a simple syllogism:
Premise 1:Authoritative commands from God are that which come fromsupernatural revelations.
Premise 2:No inner impressions aresupernatural revelations.
Conclusion:Therefore, no inner impressions are authoritative commands from God.
The terms are clear and unambiguous, the premises are true, and the reasoning is logically valid. From these two premises, the conclusion logically follows.
Knowing God
Sometimes we can be more focused on what God wants us to do than we are about knowing God, but Garry disagrees with that line of thinking,knowing God is more important:
“God is more concerned about who we are than what we do; He focuses more on our character than our conduct. We want to know what God wants us to do; God wants us to know Him. So instead of telling us how to choose in advance, He confirms (often later) that as we decide, He is actively involved with us, working out His purposes in our lives through our decisions. (And that is true even when we mess up.)”
Part 4
The Wisdom View Applied
Garry covers many topics in the fourth section, he also answers frequently asked questions and common objections at the end of each chapter. The topics he covers include: singleness, marriage, vocation, and giving. Each topic gets an entire chapter dedicated to it. He also has an insightful chapter written about wisdom when Christians differ with each other.
The topic on Marriage is one of my favourites in this section, Garry writes about it extensively, but he mentions something interesting about the right/wrong person in an earlier section of the book (Part 2, Chapter six), and I wanted to add it here so that it is linked to everything else he says about marriage in Part 4:
Is there such a thing as a “right” person? Is “The One” a Biblical concept? Garry does not think so, and neither do I. Nonbelievers and Christians alike share this belief, but on what does a nonbeliever base this belief on? From a non-Christian perspective, there is no logical reason to believe in such a concept. Moreover, there is nothing in the Bible to sustain such a belief for a Christian, and yet I’ve met many Christians who talk about finding “The One” God has specially prepared for them. The logic of this, however, is maddening! If I was married to the wrong person, then my wife would also be married to the wrong person. Furthermore, the person I should have married would also be married to the wrong person since I was unavailable. This would also mean my “wrongly chosen” wife has caused the same problem for the man she should have married, the man designed by God specially for her. The possibility of such a chain reaction according to this belief would result in relationships around the whole world being in disorder: one wrong marriage could potentially ruin and destroy the lives ofmanypeople. If each person had one specific person prepared for them, why shouldmybad decision ruin the lives of other people? Similarly, why shouldsomeone else’sbad decision ruin my life?
This sort of idea about marriage can give a Christian unnecessary pressure, and it can be overwhelming and damaging in the long run.
Garry believes the Bible gives us moral guidelines and wisdom when it comes to deciding whom to marry, he also believes Christians havefreedomto choose within those guidelines. According to 1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul says a woman is bound to her husband for as long as he lives, but if her husband dies, she is free to marrywhoevershe wants as long as he is in the Lord. There is freedom implied within the moral commands of God for all Christians in this one verse. According to Garry,
“The believer’s decision about marriage is regulated by the moral will of God, but not determined by it.”
Concluding remarks:
I think this book is amazing. There is a lot more to this book than what I have covered, I’ve tried to succinctly summarise Garry’s points, but my review pales in comparison to the actual book.
Topics related to decision making are explored in depth, the book is detailed, and it is easy to read: I didn’t encounter anything ambiguous or confusing. I also think every Christian should read this book at least once, regardless of what their views are on discernment.
Soli Deo Gloria
December 3, 2018
I first read "Decision Making" back in college. I was a brand new Christian. I wanted to "do God's will", but I didn't know what that was. Should I drop of of art school and go into ministry? Should I become a missionary? Should I marry my high school sweetheart? Someone told me about Garry Friesen, and it was a game changer. No longer am I shaking a magic 8ball. Trying to figure out what God is up to. Nope, I'm using my head. Allowing God to transform me through His word and making good choices.
Notes:
2 cor 2:12: God open the door for Paul, and he didn’t go through it! (211)
Notes:
2 cor 2:12: God open the door for Paul, and he didn’t go through it! (211)
December 13, 2023
For sure one of, if not the, the most influential books I’ve ever read. Grateful to have read this slowly & analyzed it carefully with my small group 🤍
August 17, 2020
A few words suffice to describe this book:
Life-changing, liberating, controversial, and completely Biblical.
The "Will of God" is often the center of mystery. Growing up, I was told to seek it, find it, live right in the dot in the center of it, and that my life wouldn't be happy or good or productive if I was outside of it. However, for all the preaching on it, the only way I knew to find this "Will of God" was to pray and hope for some inner feeling or a sign from my circumstances. Problem was, I had a really hard time knowing when of if the feelings were God, and what exactly the circumstances were supposed to mean. At times, I made choices according to those feelings that did not seem to yield the blessing of God, while other times I simply made a choice based on what I wanted, and the result seemed blessed. Needless to say, this was confusing. Also needless to say, I'm not the only one to struggle with that.
At the time he was penning the book, Dr. Friesen was on staff at Multnomah Bible College, where, as at many other Bible colleges, he was bombarded with questions regarding God's leading for student's lives. Marriage, which ministry position to take, and whether they should be in ministry at all, were all subjects that students were desperately asking about.
Thankfully, this book, (the 25th anniversary edition) has the answers.
The book is, if anything, detailed. It's 526 pages leave few stones unturned. Lengthy endnotes add additional detail at the end of chapters, while graphs, figures, and Scripture references are littered liberally throughout. One benefit of this updated edition is the inclusion of "Frequently Asked Questions" where he addresses the questions most asked of him since the first edition released regarding those particular concepts.
The first of the four major sections does a marvelous job explaining and elaborating on what he dubs the "Traditional View." This is the view that proclaims "For each of our decisions, God has an ideal plan that he will make known to the attentive believer." (Page 28) He clarifies the difference between the oft confused "Moral Will" "Sovereign Will" and "Individual Will" of God. Briefly, the first is God's commands, the second is the unknowable "behind the scenes" working of God, and the third is said to be the perfect plan God has for each individual person that he will reveal step by step if they seek it.
Friesen masterfully explains the reasoning behind the "Traditional View" and details how preachers have defended it, how it is said to work, and how Christians are to know they have found that "individual will."
Part 2 of the book, covering chapters 3-7, critique the "Traditional View." Chapter 3 begins with the bombshell question "Does God have three wills?" and opens with a warning that this critique may be unsettling to those who are used to the "Traditional View." He is right. Over the next 60 pages, he draws readers to the logical and Scriptural holes that pepper the "Traditional View," showing how proper exegesis brings the entire idea to it's knees. In a statement near the end of this section he writes: "Not only is the individual will of God not found in Scripture, but the suggested process for finding it is absent as well."
This will doubtlessly shake your world. About this time in reading the book, I began a personal study of, not only every single use of the phrase "Will of God" in the Bible in the effort to verify Dr. Freisen's findings. The study did not tare down his conclusions, as some might expect, but rather, strengthened them.
If this were the end of the book, it would be a dreary end. The normal paradigm of many genuine Christians would be destroyed with nothing put back in it's place. However, the book is only getting started. The final two sections again draw readers back to Scripture, the logical interpretation of it, and the principles exegetically refined from it to build a new view;
The "Wisdom View."
The vast majority of the book is then dedicated to first explaining this view (Part 3) and applying this view. (Part 4) His premises for this view are as follows:
1. Where God commands, we must obey (chapter 8)
2. Where there is no command, God gives us freedom (and responsibility) to choose. (Chapter 9)
3. Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom to choose (chapters 10-11)
4. When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work out all the details for God (Chapters 12-13)
Following after, Part 3 continues to detail the way God guides, how the "Wisdom View" repairs the weakness and even improves the strengths of the "Traditional View," and how this affects the way we think and live.
Part 4 dives into applying this new view in everyday life, not only looking at ministry, marriage, jobs, and the so-called big decisions of life, but also the smaller ones. This section ends with two chapters on how to interact with those that disagree with the "Wisdom View" wrapping up with a chapter devoted to the limits placed on this freedom to chose imposed by Romans 14 and I Corinthians 8-10.
Capping the book are numerous resources, indexes, and even brief reviews of other books on the "Will of God" from all sides of the debate.
Some would say this "Wisdom View" minimizes God, hence the very controversial nature of this book in certain circles, yet it does the opposite. It maximizes not only the application of his Word, but also the sufficiency and surety of his Word. II Timothy 6:16-17 reads: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." If those words are as true as we say they are, we should be ashamed for trying to divine the meaning of inward feelings or the ambiguity of outside circumstances to find completion in our Christian lives. It is found in God's Word alone, the sure, steady, unfailing word that is promoted and magnified by this book.
While the sheer thickness and academic weight of this book may overwhelm some, I firmly believe this, or some other book espousing the same views, should in the library of every single Christian, especially teenagers who are near graduation and about to face many of life's biggest and most challenging decisions. Some books you read, set down, and hardly think about. However, my own copy of this book has highlighting, underlining, and comments on nearly every page, showing the mental engagement it demands and the depths of wisdom it displays.
Notable Quotables:
Chapter 5: More Doubts About the Dot, Page 86: "If I was married to the wrong person, then my wife would also be living outside of God's will. Furthermore, the woman I was supposed to marry would also wed the wrong spouse since I was not available. And my (wrongly chosen) wife would create the same problem for the man God destined for her. It was not hard to see how one wrong date could eventually mess up the whole universe!"
Chapter 6: Impressions are Impressions, Page 90: "In the area of decision making and the will of God, the lack of such an objective source of knowledge constitutes the greatest applicational weakness of the traditional view."
Chapter 16: The Wisdom View Explained, Page 252: "In the wisdom view, there is no individual will of God that must be discovered and no ambiguous system for sorting it out. Christian decision making is grounded on the objective truth of God's moral will."
Chapter 21: The Ministry and Wisdom, Page 323: "It is ironic, however, that while Scripture emphasizes qualifications that many ordaining councils overlook, those councils stress a requirement (his call to the ministry) not mentioned by Scripture."
Life-changing, liberating, controversial, and completely Biblical.
The "Will of God" is often the center of mystery. Growing up, I was told to seek it, find it, live right in the dot in the center of it, and that my life wouldn't be happy or good or productive if I was outside of it. However, for all the preaching on it, the only way I knew to find this "Will of God" was to pray and hope for some inner feeling or a sign from my circumstances. Problem was, I had a really hard time knowing when of if the feelings were God, and what exactly the circumstances were supposed to mean. At times, I made choices according to those feelings that did not seem to yield the blessing of God, while other times I simply made a choice based on what I wanted, and the result seemed blessed. Needless to say, this was confusing. Also needless to say, I'm not the only one to struggle with that.
At the time he was penning the book, Dr. Friesen was on staff at Multnomah Bible College, where, as at many other Bible colleges, he was bombarded with questions regarding God's leading for student's lives. Marriage, which ministry position to take, and whether they should be in ministry at all, were all subjects that students were desperately asking about.
Thankfully, this book, (the 25th anniversary edition) has the answers.
The book is, if anything, detailed. It's 526 pages leave few stones unturned. Lengthy endnotes add additional detail at the end of chapters, while graphs, figures, and Scripture references are littered liberally throughout. One benefit of this updated edition is the inclusion of "Frequently Asked Questions" where he addresses the questions most asked of him since the first edition released regarding those particular concepts.
The first of the four major sections does a marvelous job explaining and elaborating on what he dubs the "Traditional View." This is the view that proclaims "For each of our decisions, God has an ideal plan that he will make known to the attentive believer." (Page 28) He clarifies the difference between the oft confused "Moral Will" "Sovereign Will" and "Individual Will" of God. Briefly, the first is God's commands, the second is the unknowable "behind the scenes" working of God, and the third is said to be the perfect plan God has for each individual person that he will reveal step by step if they seek it.
Friesen masterfully explains the reasoning behind the "Traditional View" and details how preachers have defended it, how it is said to work, and how Christians are to know they have found that "individual will."
Part 2 of the book, covering chapters 3-7, critique the "Traditional View." Chapter 3 begins with the bombshell question "Does God have three wills?" and opens with a warning that this critique may be unsettling to those who are used to the "Traditional View." He is right. Over the next 60 pages, he draws readers to the logical and Scriptural holes that pepper the "Traditional View," showing how proper exegesis brings the entire idea to it's knees. In a statement near the end of this section he writes: "Not only is the individual will of God not found in Scripture, but the suggested process for finding it is absent as well."
This will doubtlessly shake your world. About this time in reading the book, I began a personal study of, not only every single use of the phrase "Will of God" in the Bible in the effort to verify Dr. Freisen's findings. The study did not tare down his conclusions, as some might expect, but rather, strengthened them.
If this were the end of the book, it would be a dreary end. The normal paradigm of many genuine Christians would be destroyed with nothing put back in it's place. However, the book is only getting started. The final two sections again draw readers back to Scripture, the logical interpretation of it, and the principles exegetically refined from it to build a new view;
The "Wisdom View."
The vast majority of the book is then dedicated to first explaining this view (Part 3) and applying this view. (Part 4) His premises for this view are as follows:
1. Where God commands, we must obey (chapter 8)
2. Where there is no command, God gives us freedom (and responsibility) to choose. (Chapter 9)
3. Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom to choose (chapters 10-11)
4. When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work out all the details for God (Chapters 12-13)
Following after, Part 3 continues to detail the way God guides, how the "Wisdom View" repairs the weakness and even improves the strengths of the "Traditional View," and how this affects the way we think and live.
Part 4 dives into applying this new view in everyday life, not only looking at ministry, marriage, jobs, and the so-called big decisions of life, but also the smaller ones. This section ends with two chapters on how to interact with those that disagree with the "Wisdom View" wrapping up with a chapter devoted to the limits placed on this freedom to chose imposed by Romans 14 and I Corinthians 8-10.
Capping the book are numerous resources, indexes, and even brief reviews of other books on the "Will of God" from all sides of the debate.
Some would say this "Wisdom View" minimizes God, hence the very controversial nature of this book in certain circles, yet it does the opposite. It maximizes not only the application of his Word, but also the sufficiency and surety of his Word. II Timothy 6:16-17 reads: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." If those words are as true as we say they are, we should be ashamed for trying to divine the meaning of inward feelings or the ambiguity of outside circumstances to find completion in our Christian lives. It is found in God's Word alone, the sure, steady, unfailing word that is promoted and magnified by this book.
While the sheer thickness and academic weight of this book may overwhelm some, I firmly believe this, or some other book espousing the same views, should in the library of every single Christian, especially teenagers who are near graduation and about to face many of life's biggest and most challenging decisions. Some books you read, set down, and hardly think about. However, my own copy of this book has highlighting, underlining, and comments on nearly every page, showing the mental engagement it demands and the depths of wisdom it displays.
Notable Quotables:
Chapter 5: More Doubts About the Dot, Page 86: "If I was married to the wrong person, then my wife would also be living outside of God's will. Furthermore, the woman I was supposed to marry would also wed the wrong spouse since I was not available. And my (wrongly chosen) wife would create the same problem for the man God destined for her. It was not hard to see how one wrong date could eventually mess up the whole universe!"
Chapter 6: Impressions are Impressions, Page 90: "In the area of decision making and the will of God, the lack of such an objective source of knowledge constitutes the greatest applicational weakness of the traditional view."
Chapter 16: The Wisdom View Explained, Page 252: "In the wisdom view, there is no individual will of God that must be discovered and no ambiguous system for sorting it out. Christian decision making is grounded on the objective truth of God's moral will."
Chapter 21: The Ministry and Wisdom, Page 323: "It is ironic, however, that while Scripture emphasizes qualifications that many ordaining councils overlook, those councils stress a requirement (his call to the ministry) not mentioned by Scripture."
February 12, 2013
This book was a pleasure to read. The style is simple, and what he writes about is common sense, and it's easy to see that his views are biblically based. This book was originally published in the 80's but it is still very relevant today since Christians of all sorts are attempting to discern God's will for their personal lives. I think every Christian needs to read this in order to see that God expects every Christian to make wise decisions using the mind that God not only gave everyone but is also in the process of renewing. This book will not only clarify and build up (or even challenge) one's theology but also affect how one goes about personal conduct and personal choices and how to apply Scripture wisely.
July 29, 2009
A nearly heretical text meant for a generally Christian audience.
It's well written, and exhaustively explores the subject of God's will as it pertains to the decisions Christians make, from the largest to the smallest.
Does God have an individual plan for each human life, down to the smallest detail, or does he simply provide the foundational character traits necessary for you to plan and execute your own life?
An enlightening view into what motivates and sustains the Christian worldview from both sides of the argument.
It's well written, and exhaustively explores the subject of God's will as it pertains to the decisions Christians make, from the largest to the smallest.
Does God have an individual plan for each human life, down to the smallest detail, or does he simply provide the foundational character traits necessary for you to plan and execute your own life?
An enlightening view into what motivates and sustains the Christian worldview from both sides of the argument.
May 14, 2010
This book was wonderful for me to read. Sometimes we use God's "will" as a crutch to lessen our responsibility for following the commands that he has made completely clear through scripture. I think in spots the author goes a little overboard to make his point and almost gives the impression that God is not that concerned with day to day decisions. Overall, however, great book.
July 13, 2007
What you won't hear in a typical sermon on God's will...but don't read it unless you're prepared to make some people uncomfortable & defend your position once you get on the "untraditional view of God's will" soapbox.:)
April 6, 2022
Thorough, approachable, and easy to understand. I didn’t love the authors’ style and I disagreed with some of the conclusions they came to, but for a lengthy and thorough treatment of this subject, I think this is worth a read and valuable to have on the shelf for reference.
February 21, 2020
Good, but Cumbersome
May 21, 2024
Thought-Provoking, I don't think it quite leaves enough room for The supernatural leading of God for the faith-filled Christian.
September 10, 2021
This is a much-needed correction of widespread misunderstandings of how God guides our decision-making. It gives biblical, practical decision-making principles.
Many Christians believe what this book calls the "traditional view," which is that to make a decision, we must know God's "individual will" (His will for a specific person in a particular circumstance). This book shows how that view is unbiblical, that the Bible is all we need to make a decision (to know and do God's will), and that we have freedom to choose in areas not specifically addressed by the Bible.
As Friesen says,
Although I agree with the book's premise, I don't completely agree with some of the items Friesen puts in the area of moral freedom (tithing and dining out on the Lord’s Day).
I read this because one of my pastors recommended it to me when I was making career decisions.
Biblical decision-making
1. In the areas specifically addressed by the Bible, we must obey God's revealed commands (His moral will).
2. In the areas where the Bible gives no command or principle (nonmoral decisions), we are free and responsible to decide. Any decision that obeys God's commands is acceptable to God.
3. In nonmoral decisions, our objective is to make a wise decision that's spiritually expedient.
4. In all decisions, we must humbly submit to God's sovereign will (providence).
Notes
Forward
The Bible doesn't tell us to find God's will for our life choices, nor does it tell us how to do so.
Rather than asking, "How do I find God's will?" we should ask, "How do I make good decisions?"
"The Bible does not provide a map for life—only a compass."
Part 2: The Case of the Missing "Dot": The Traditional View Critiqued
Does God Have Three Wills?
Bible doesn't teach that God has an "individual will" for every detail of a person's life, so it's pointless to search for it.
God's guidance is general, not specific. We have freedom and responsibility in our decision-making.
Just as a parent gives a child greater freedom and responsibility as they age, so God has given the Church greater freedom and responsibility as time has passed (Gal 4:1-11).
Internal "impressions" or "promptings" often lead people to dead ends, which wouldn't be the case if they're truly a way to know God's will.
We can't simply see how God guided believers in the Bible to see how God guides us. Many examples in the Bible are unique (or at least highly unusual) events, not intended to be normative.
What NT examples teach about God's guidance
• God rarely supernaturally gave direct guidance for specific decisions.
• God gave direct guidance to people who played a strategic role in world evangelism.
• God gave direct guidance only at critical points in church's formative years.
• God's direct guidance was always communicated by supernatural revelation.
Bible doesn't speak of "specific will," "center of God's will," "right decision," "putting out a fleece," "finding God's will," "God's will for me," "God wanted me to," or other terms used in traditional view. Bible never says apostles or anyone else made a decision because it was God's "individual will."
Does Scripture Teach the "Dot"?
Isa 30:20-21: the "teacher" is probably a prophet sent to teach the people (Isa 30:8-11), so the "eyes" and "ears" should be taken literally. "The way" is God's law.
Impressions Are Impressions
God has provided 2 objective sources to know His will: His Word and direct revelation.
When someone says "I've discovered God's will for my decision," they're not claiming to have found a direct statement in the Bible, or to have supernatural revelation. They're relying on subjective feelings.
"Impressions could be produced by any number of sources: God, Satan, an angel, a demon, human emotions… hormonal imbalance, insomnia, medication, or an upset stomach."
Bible gives no guidelines for reading circumstances or providence, so people subjectively interpret them. Is an opportunity really God's leading? Who "opened a door?" God, Satan, or neither? Is an obstacle God saying no, or a test of faith?
Seeking certainty by counting multiple uncertain "signs" doesn't increase certainty.
Bible doesn't teach that "disquiet of heart" is a negative sign from God, or that "peace" is a positive sign.
The traditional view causes frustration, doesn't provide a way to decide between equal options, promotes immature decision-making, and denies a person objective certainty of finding God's will.
Part 3: The Way of Wisdom: The Wisdom View Explained
Thy Word is Truth
Our decisions must be biblically lawful (obey God's commands) (Eph 5:1-14) and wise (not knowingly foolish) (Eph 5:15-17; Luke 14:28-32).
Free to Choose
Decisions that obey God's commands are lawful (1 Cor 6:12; 10:23), clean (Mark 7:19; Luke 11:41; Rom 14:14, 20), pure (Titus 1:16). We should not feel guilty or fear that these decisions are unacceptable to God.
Competent to Choose
The apostles made decisions without attempting to decipher God's individual will (1 Thess 3:1-2; Phil 2:25-26; Acts 6:2-4; Cor 7:39-40)
We may consider what would make us happy when making decisions (Col 3:17, 23), though it's not the only or primary factor (Matt 6:19-33).
In nonmoral decisions, we should decide according to spiritual expediency (Eph 5:15-16; Col 4:5). in Eph 5:17, wisdom refers to understanding God's Word. In both passages, wisdom is linked to making the most of opportunities. Wisdom is spiritual opportunism.
One way to get wisdom is through research (Neh 2:11-16; Josh 2).
One way to get wisdom is by consulting wise counselors (Prov 11:14; 13:20). We should ask spiritually insightful people, "What biblical principles relate to my decision?" We should ask people who have relevant experience, "When you went through a similar experience, what insights did you gain?"
"God mediates His wisdom to us through His Word, our personal research, wise counselors, and the applied lessons of life."
God Only Wise
"God never violates are responsibility because He never works contrary to our nature, nor forces our wills. He works within our wills and in harmony with our nature to bring about His determined end." Example: Judas Iscariot (Matt 26:24; Luke 22:22).
God's Sovereign Will and Decision Making
Jas 4:13-16 doesn't speak against planning, but against a godless, self-assured attitude in planning.
Paul didn't often use phrase "if God wills" or similar when speaking of his plans. We don't need to say that every time we speak about the future. What's necessary is our humility and recognition of God's sovereignty.
When Paul prayed for an open door, he wasn't praying for guidance, but for opportunity (1 Cor 16:9; Col 4:3). In 2 Cor 2:12-13, Paul decided to pass up an open door (opportunity) for something more important (looking for Titus).
Evaluating "open doors"
• "Door" refers to an opportunity, usually related to ministry of the Word.
• Opportunities come through God's sovereignty.
• Most of the time, opportunities should be used as part of wise, resourceful living for God (Eph 5:15-16).
• We may pass by an opportunity if there's a greater opportunity or more pressing work available.
• An opportunity isn't a direct providential sign from God telling us to go a certain way.
The Bible doesn't speak of "closed doors." When Paul was prevented from pursuing a sound plan, he simply waited and tried again (Rom 1:10-13).
"Putting out a fleece" is an unbiblical practice. Gideon wasn't seeking a circumstantial sign, but a miraculous one. He didn't use the fleece to get guidance, but to confirm guidance he had already been supernaturally given. His motivation wasn't a desire to do God's will, but a reluctance to follow God's guidance.
Guidance: A Biblical Model
God's sovereign will is secret; it can't be known in advance. "For all practical purposes, sovereign guidance has no direct bearing on the conscious considerations of the decision maker."
God's commands deal not only with our actions, but also our goals, motives, attitudes, and means, even in nonmoral decisions.
Book of Romans shows how to apply biblical decision-making principles: making plans (1:8-10, 13); submitting to God's sovereign will (1:10, 13); planning based on spiritual goals (1:11-12; 15:20-29); having a priority list (15:20-29).
Part 4: Deciding the Big Ones: The Wisdom View Applied
Singleness, Marriage, and Wisdom
Jesus taught singleness and marriage are both acceptable to God (Matt 19:11-12).
Paul says a lot about singleness and marriage, but never mentions God's individual will.
Paul has a preference for singleness, but says each person must choose for themselves (1 Cor 7:6-7), though some are gifted to enjoy singleness while others are gifted to enjoy marriage (7:7).
Prohibited by 1 Cor 7
• Divorce for 2 married believers (v 10)
• Remarriage of a Christian husband or Christian wife if they separate (v 11)
• Divorce by believer of unbeliever who is willing to continue in marriage (v 13-15)
Choice of singleness or marriage must be based on spiritual expediency.
1 Cor 7:24 doesn't forbid marriage of single people, or freedom for slaves. Point is that instead of focusing on changing your condition for your own sake, you should focus on changing the world for Christ.
Marriage and Wisdom: Screening the Candidates
God has given each person freedom to decide whether to get married, and whom to marry, based on what will most help that person obey God's commands and fulfill His revealed purposes.
The Ministry and Wisdom
NT contains a few examples of people being called to a specific function/office, but these are exception rather than rule. Each was communicated through supernatural revelation, given only to certain individuals at certain times to grow the early church, and was unsought and unexpected. OT contains a few examples of calls to special ministry. Neither testament teaches that a call is promised or required for all believers, or that believers should seek a call.
NT doesn't speak of a "call" to pastoral office, but speaks of a "desire" or "aspiration."
Vocation, Education, and Wisdom
We may take opportunities for vocational change or advancement, as long as they don't disobey God's commands (1 Cor 7:21).
In deciding about your vocation, ask yourself, "Given my aptitudes, abilities, gifts, desires, and opportunities, which vocation would offer the greatest potential for my service to the Lord and my obedience to His moral will?"
Giving and Wisdom
Order of giving
1. Immediate family
2. Extended family
3. Local church
4. Work of gospel proclamation
5. Relief of needy believers
6. Relief of needy unbelievers
Wisdom When Christians Differ
Allow fellow believers freedom to determine their own convictions, even when they differ from yours (Rom 14:1-12). Limit your liberty, when needed, out of love for a spiritually weaker (less mature) believer (Rom 14:13 - 15:2).
Questions to ask in areas of Christian liberty
• Is there anything wrong with this activity? Is it lawful? (1 Cor 10:23)
• Is it spiritually profitable? (1 Cor 10:23)
• Is it edifying? (1 Cor 10:23)
• Is it self-serving at the expense of someone else? (1 Cor 10:33; Rom 15:1-2)
• Is this something I can thank God for? (1 Cor 10:30; Rom 14:6)
• Is this something that will glorify God? (1 Cor 10:31)
• Is this worth imitating? (1 Cor 11:1)
• Is this following the example of Christ? (1 Cor 11:1; Rom 15:7-8)
Many Christians believe what this book calls the "traditional view," which is that to make a decision, we must know God's "individual will" (His will for a specific person in a particular circumstance). This book shows how that view is unbiblical, that the Bible is all we need to make a decision (to know and do God's will), and that we have freedom to choose in areas not specifically addressed by the Bible.
As Friesen says,
The major point is this: God does not have an ideal, detailed life-plan uniquely designed for each believer that must be discovered in order to make correct decisions. The concept of an 'individual will of God' cannot be established by reason, experience, biblical example, or biblical teaching.This doesn't mean that God hasn't planned our lives; it means that we don't need to figure out what that plan is before we can make decisions.
Although I agree with the book's premise, I don't completely agree with some of the items Friesen puts in the area of moral freedom (tithing and dining out on the Lord’s Day).
I read this because one of my pastors recommended it to me when I was making career decisions.
Biblical decision-making
1. In the areas specifically addressed by the Bible, we must obey God's revealed commands (His moral will).
2. In the areas where the Bible gives no command or principle (nonmoral decisions), we are free and responsible to decide. Any decision that obeys God's commands is acceptable to God.
3. In nonmoral decisions, our objective is to make a wise decision that's spiritually expedient.
4. In all decisions, we must humbly submit to God's sovereign will (providence).
Notes
Forward
The Bible doesn't tell us to find God's will for our life choices, nor does it tell us how to do so.
Rather than asking, "How do I find God's will?" we should ask, "How do I make good decisions?"
"The Bible does not provide a map for life—only a compass."
Part 2: The Case of the Missing "Dot": The Traditional View Critiqued
Does God Have Three Wills?
Bible doesn't teach that God has an "individual will" for every detail of a person's life, so it's pointless to search for it.
God's guidance is general, not specific. We have freedom and responsibility in our decision-making.
Just as a parent gives a child greater freedom and responsibility as they age, so God has given the Church greater freedom and responsibility as time has passed (Gal 4:1-11).
Internal "impressions" or "promptings" often lead people to dead ends, which wouldn't be the case if they're truly a way to know God's will.
We can't simply see how God guided believers in the Bible to see how God guides us. Many examples in the Bible are unique (or at least highly unusual) events, not intended to be normative.
What NT examples teach about God's guidance
• God rarely supernaturally gave direct guidance for specific decisions.
• God gave direct guidance to people who played a strategic role in world evangelism.
• God gave direct guidance only at critical points in church's formative years.
• God's direct guidance was always communicated by supernatural revelation.
Bible doesn't speak of "specific will," "center of God's will," "right decision," "putting out a fleece," "finding God's will," "God's will for me," "God wanted me to," or other terms used in traditional view. Bible never says apostles or anyone else made a decision because it was God's "individual will."
Does Scripture Teach the "Dot"?
Isa 30:20-21: the "teacher" is probably a prophet sent to teach the people (Isa 30:8-11), so the "eyes" and "ears" should be taken literally. "The way" is God's law.
Impressions Are Impressions
God has provided 2 objective sources to know His will: His Word and direct revelation.
When someone says "I've discovered God's will for my decision," they're not claiming to have found a direct statement in the Bible, or to have supernatural revelation. They're relying on subjective feelings.
"Impressions could be produced by any number of sources: God, Satan, an angel, a demon, human emotions… hormonal imbalance, insomnia, medication, or an upset stomach."
Bible gives no guidelines for reading circumstances or providence, so people subjectively interpret them. Is an opportunity really God's leading? Who "opened a door?" God, Satan, or neither? Is an obstacle God saying no, or a test of faith?
Seeking certainty by counting multiple uncertain "signs" doesn't increase certainty.
Bible doesn't teach that "disquiet of heart" is a negative sign from God, or that "peace" is a positive sign.
The traditional view causes frustration, doesn't provide a way to decide between equal options, promotes immature decision-making, and denies a person objective certainty of finding God's will.
Part 3: The Way of Wisdom: The Wisdom View Explained
Thy Word is Truth
Our decisions must be biblically lawful (obey God's commands) (Eph 5:1-14) and wise (not knowingly foolish) (Eph 5:15-17; Luke 14:28-32).
Free to Choose
Decisions that obey God's commands are lawful (1 Cor 6:12; 10:23), clean (Mark 7:19; Luke 11:41; Rom 14:14, 20), pure (Titus 1:16). We should not feel guilty or fear that these decisions are unacceptable to God.
Competent to Choose
The apostles made decisions without attempting to decipher God's individual will (1 Thess 3:1-2; Phil 2:25-26; Acts 6:2-4; Cor 7:39-40)
We may consider what would make us happy when making decisions (Col 3:17, 23), though it's not the only or primary factor (Matt 6:19-33).
In nonmoral decisions, we should decide according to spiritual expediency (Eph 5:15-16; Col 4:5). in Eph 5:17, wisdom refers to understanding God's Word. In both passages, wisdom is linked to making the most of opportunities. Wisdom is spiritual opportunism.
One way to get wisdom is through research (Neh 2:11-16; Josh 2).
One way to get wisdom is by consulting wise counselors (Prov 11:14; 13:20). We should ask spiritually insightful people, "What biblical principles relate to my decision?" We should ask people who have relevant experience, "When you went through a similar experience, what insights did you gain?"
"God mediates His wisdom to us through His Word, our personal research, wise counselors, and the applied lessons of life."
God Only Wise
"God never violates are responsibility because He never works contrary to our nature, nor forces our wills. He works within our wills and in harmony with our nature to bring about His determined end." Example: Judas Iscariot (Matt 26:24; Luke 22:22).
God's Sovereign Will and Decision Making
Jas 4:13-16 doesn't speak against planning, but against a godless, self-assured attitude in planning.
Paul didn't often use phrase "if God wills" or similar when speaking of his plans. We don't need to say that every time we speak about the future. What's necessary is our humility and recognition of God's sovereignty.
Circumstances are not designed to 'give hints' about God's future sovereign will or about His moral will either. His sovereign will is hidden, and His moral will is already revealed in its entirety in the Bible.In the Bible, many who tried to interpret circumstances failed (Acts 28:4, 6; John 9:2-3; Luke 13:1-5; Job's comforters).
When Paul prayed for an open door, he wasn't praying for guidance, but for opportunity (1 Cor 16:9; Col 4:3). In 2 Cor 2:12-13, Paul decided to pass up an open door (opportunity) for something more important (looking for Titus).
Evaluating "open doors"
• "Door" refers to an opportunity, usually related to ministry of the Word.
• Opportunities come through God's sovereignty.
• Most of the time, opportunities should be used as part of wise, resourceful living for God (Eph 5:15-16).
• We may pass by an opportunity if there's a greater opportunity or more pressing work available.
• An opportunity isn't a direct providential sign from God telling us to go a certain way.
The Bible doesn't speak of "closed doors." When Paul was prevented from pursuing a sound plan, he simply waited and tried again (Rom 1:10-13).
"Putting out a fleece" is an unbiblical practice. Gideon wasn't seeking a circumstantial sign, but a miraculous one. He didn't use the fleece to get guidance, but to confirm guidance he had already been supernaturally given. His motivation wasn't a desire to do God's will, but a reluctance to follow God's guidance.
Guidance: A Biblical Model
God's sovereign will is secret; it can't be known in advance. "For all practical purposes, sovereign guidance has no direct bearing on the conscious considerations of the decision maker."
God's commands deal not only with our actions, but also our goals, motives, attitudes, and means, even in nonmoral decisions.
Book of Romans shows how to apply biblical decision-making principles: making plans (1:8-10, 13); submitting to God's sovereign will (1:10, 13); planning based on spiritual goals (1:11-12; 15:20-29); having a priority list (15:20-29).
Part 4: Deciding the Big Ones: The Wisdom View Applied
Singleness, Marriage, and Wisdom
Jesus taught singleness and marriage are both acceptable to God (Matt 19:11-12).
Paul says a lot about singleness and marriage, but never mentions God's individual will.
Paul has a preference for singleness, but says each person must choose for themselves (1 Cor 7:6-7), though some are gifted to enjoy singleness while others are gifted to enjoy marriage (7:7).
Prohibited by 1 Cor 7
• Divorce for 2 married believers (v 10)
• Remarriage of a Christian husband or Christian wife if they separate (v 11)
• Divorce by believer of unbeliever who is willing to continue in marriage (v 13-15)
Choice of singleness or marriage must be based on spiritual expediency.
1 Cor 7:24 doesn't forbid marriage of single people, or freedom for slaves. Point is that instead of focusing on changing your condition for your own sake, you should focus on changing the world for Christ.
Marriage and Wisdom: Screening the Candidates
God has given each person freedom to decide whether to get married, and whom to marry, based on what will most help that person obey God's commands and fulfill His revealed purposes.
The Ministry and Wisdom
NT contains a few examples of people being called to a specific function/office, but these are exception rather than rule. Each was communicated through supernatural revelation, given only to certain individuals at certain times to grow the early church, and was unsought and unexpected. OT contains a few examples of calls to special ministry. Neither testament teaches that a call is promised or required for all believers, or that believers should seek a call.
NT doesn't speak of a "call" to pastoral office, but speaks of a "desire" or "aspiration."
Vocation, Education, and Wisdom
We may take opportunities for vocational change or advancement, as long as they don't disobey God's commands (1 Cor 7:21).
In deciding about your vocation, ask yourself, "Given my aptitudes, abilities, gifts, desires, and opportunities, which vocation would offer the greatest potential for my service to the Lord and my obedience to His moral will?"
Giving and Wisdom
Order of giving
1. Immediate family
2. Extended family
3. Local church
4. Work of gospel proclamation
5. Relief of needy believers
6. Relief of needy unbelievers
Wisdom When Christians Differ
Allow fellow believers freedom to determine their own convictions, even when they differ from yours (Rom 14:1-12). Limit your liberty, when needed, out of love for a spiritually weaker (less mature) believer (Rom 14:13 - 15:2).
Questions to ask in areas of Christian liberty
• Is there anything wrong with this activity? Is it lawful? (1 Cor 10:23)
• Is it spiritually profitable? (1 Cor 10:23)
• Is it edifying? (1 Cor 10:23)
• Is it self-serving at the expense of someone else? (1 Cor 10:33; Rom 15:1-2)
• Is this something I can thank God for? (1 Cor 10:30; Rom 14:6)
• Is this something that will glorify God? (1 Cor 10:31)
• Is this worth imitating? (1 Cor 11:1)
• Is this following the example of Christ? (1 Cor 11:1; Rom 15:7-8)
May 17, 2024
Early in my life as a dispensationalist, I marveled at the info Friesen gave. I wanted to know about God and His relationship to me and others. I'm also a fmr Marine & Vietnam veteran. My concern grew over this teaching as I wanted to know, is God sovereign over the battlefield? Is He in control of every piece of shrapnel & rifle round? Is He in control of how deeply or little hot, jagged pieces tear flesh? Who gets hit & where? Who steps on a mine & who doesn't? How affected combatants are by PTSD? Who is diagnosed with traumatic stress & who isn't? Why did I get hurt so my buddy took my place on the truck that rolled over a 500 lb bomb & he got killed & I'm still here? Why? Is God sovereign or not? In dispensationalism, He isn't, not over salvation & not over combat. Is God sovereign over every molecule & sub atomic particle or not? Not in dispensationalism. The sacred cow of that system of theology is free-will (pg. 33). God can't violate it. Well, if He's not sovereign there, then He's not sovereign anywhere. Besides, who determines He's sovereign? How do you know?
It's one thing to address what college to attend or what person to marry. Nobody's life is on the line. Friesen has completely missed the character of God. He's Lord. The deceived & the deceiver are his. He lifts up one and lowers another as it pleases Him (see Job 12; Prov. 16; Gen. 20:6 vs pg. 204).
"In fact, the Bible reveals nothing of an 'individual will' governing each decision" (pg. 151). That's nonsense! Acts 2:23; 4:27-28. Each Jewish & Gentile leader/soldier had individual responsibility for their individual actions. "If there is no individual will,..." (pg. 213), then no one is in charge. It's one thing to sit in your study & pontificate about God's will. It's another to put your life on the line & how somebody up there is in charge of every minute detail. This book is a bogus attempt to remove from God or man any responsibility for for the evil we see around us. I wouldn't recommend it. This book, like all the other dispensationalist books of like manner are about defending man's free-will, which the Bible is careful & detailed in saying isn't free, but bound by sin. I keep the book around for things like this review.
It's one thing to address what college to attend or what person to marry. Nobody's life is on the line. Friesen has completely missed the character of God. He's Lord. The deceived & the deceiver are his. He lifts up one and lowers another as it pleases Him (see Job 12; Prov. 16; Gen. 20:6 vs pg. 204).
"In fact, the Bible reveals nothing of an 'individual will' governing each decision" (pg. 151). That's nonsense! Acts 2:23; 4:27-28. Each Jewish & Gentile leader/soldier had individual responsibility for their individual actions. "If there is no individual will,..." (pg. 213), then no one is in charge. It's one thing to sit in your study & pontificate about God's will. It's another to put your life on the line & how somebody up there is in charge of every minute detail. This book is a bogus attempt to remove from God or man any responsibility for for the evil we see around us. I wouldn't recommend it. This book, like all the other dispensationalist books of like manner are about defending man's free-will, which the Bible is careful & detailed in saying isn't free, but bound by sin. I keep the book around for things like this review.
February 12, 2024
This should be a required read for every Christian! The author did an excellent job of first outlining and discussing what he calls the "Traditional View" where Christians are to discern from "God's whisperings," inner nudges from God, fleeces, etc. etc. what God's specific, individual will is for every decision we must make in our lives. He uses the scripture verses that those who hold to the Traditional View use for justifying the view, but then he skillfully dismantles the view using this same verses in a proper hermeneutic. He shows that the Bible does NOT teach an individual, specific will for each Christian but that we have freedom in decision making within God's Moral Will using wisdom that He gives us. It is the Wisdom View. He shows in Scripture that God does not TRY to get through to us, He simply does. We do not have to lay out fleeces, listen to a still small voice, etc. And the author CLEARLY shows from Scripture that "open doors" are NOT mandates just as "closed doors" do not mean that's the end. This book was a breath of fresh air for my Christian walk. So many Christians are walking around feeling defeated and paralyzed in decision making because they "can't hear God's voice." His voice is there. It's called the Bible. If you want to audibly hear it, read the Bible out loud. You have freedom within His Moral Will along with wisdom.
March 17, 2019
A classic book that should be read by all Christians who want to understand the topic of the will of God. Friessen does an exellent job of dismantling a tradional view of understanding the topic of God's will and then build the case for a more proper, Biblical understanding of the will of God. The traditonal viewpoint is built more on superstition rather than the Bible and says that we have to find the center of God's will for our life. The proper understanding that Friessen shows is built of the wisdom that God gives us to do his will. It boils down to finding God's will (which is me centric) to doing God's will through wisdom (which is God centric). The traditional viewpoint is restrctive because one is always trying to figure out if they are in the center of God's will. The wisdom viewpoint is freeing because one realizes that we are free to make wise choices for our lives. This is defintely a must read for all Christians.
September 8, 2020
This is a powerful book which really grapples with the whole purpose of wisdom in decision making instead of seeking some divine dot that I have to discover or else I'm always on plan B, C or D. This book freed me up incredibly in my early ministry to make crucial decisions that ended up being life changing. I would highly recommend this book to any Christian and especially those who are Christian leaders and teachers. Friesen's approach is extremely practical and clear. He doesn't muddle through uncertainties but is constantly bringing the Scripture back into the decisions in front of us. I am so thankful he went "against the flow" of common evangelical teaching on decision making and brought us back to what the Bible actually teaches.
June 21, 2019
MAIN IDEA
God doesn’t have a specific plan for each person that we must discover and then try to live out. This idea is false. God does have a plan on how everything in history will work together for good but we are not privy to the details. So, what we ought to focus on is using wisdom to make decisions about our lives. The Bible is clear that wisdom is a tool we need to develop to make good choices.
God doesn’t have a specific plan for each person that we must discover and then try to live out. This idea is false. God does have a plan on how everything in history will work together for good but we are not privy to the details. So, what we ought to focus on is using wisdom to make decisions about our lives. The Bible is clear that wisdom is a tool we need to develop to make good choices.
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