Freedom Quote by Herman Witsius
““For if any decree of God could be changed, it would be, because God either would not or could not effect the thing decreed, or because his latter thoughts were wiser and better than his first: all which are injurious to God. You will answer; God, indeed, wills what he has decreed to be done, but on condition the creature also wills it, whose liberty he would nowise infringe. I answer, is God so destitute either of power or of wisdom, that he cannot so concur with the liberty of second causes, which he himself gave and formed, as to do what he wills, without prejudice to and consistently with their liberty? God is far more glorious, in our opinion, and more to be had in reverence, than for us to believe any such thing of his power and wisdom.””
About This Quote
The passage argues that divine decree cannot be altered because God's power and wisdom are absolute, and any change would contradict His nature and the freedom He granted to creatures.
In simple terms: God's will is immutable and consistent with creaturely liberty.
Key Takeaway
Divine sovereignty coexists with creature freedom.
Themes
theology
philosophy of religion
free will
determinism
divine attributes
authority
Mood
reverent
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theological
explanatory
When to use this quote
- theological debate on predestination
- ethical discussions on free will
- academic lectures on philosophy of religion
- personal reflection on faith
Key Concepts
divine decree
creature liberty
God's wisdom
power vs. will
Practical Applications
- writing theological essays
- informing sermons
Questions to Reflect On
- Does divine immutability limit human responsibility?
- How can freedom exist under an unchangeable decree?
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