Will
“Ratson, pleasure, desire, will; Greek thelo (to will) and boule (counsel, purpose)”
Summary
In Scripture 'will' refers both to human volition and choice, and to a legal testament or bequest, with God's will being the supreme rule of duty for believers.
☩Human and Divine Will
Scripture affirms human freedom to choose, while also teaching God's sovereign will. God presents choices: 'If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.' Jesus declared that anyone willing to do God's will would know whether His teaching was from God. Yet ultimately God's will must prevail—Jesus prayed 'not as I will, but as thou wilt,' and taught disciples to pray 'Thy will be done.' Christians are called to discern and do God's will in all things.
☩Testaments in Scripture
The legal sense of 'will' as a testament appears in several passages. Abraham's bequest to his sons, Jacob's deathbed blessings, and David's charge to Solomon all function as final wills. The writer of Hebrews explains that a covenant is like a will—it only comes into force after death. The new covenant was ratified by Christ's death, just as the old was established with blood. Once made, a will cannot be annulled, which Paul uses to illustrate the irrevocability of God's promises.
Related Verses40 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Will (Testament)," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Will," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).