The Potter's Freedom

Dr. John White wrote a book entitled, "The Potter's Freedom" in 2000 as a refutation of Norm Geisler's book "Chosen But Free." I will not be discussing the issue addressed in these two books. I cite them because I was struck by the clear implication of the title of White's book.

Humans and especially those who live in countries and cultures that historically have some level of democracy often focus on freedoms and rights. In the context of a discussion dealing with the will of man and the will of God I was struck by the title of White's book. We often speak of the free will of man but do not stop to consider that there is One Who has a totally free will. There is but One who is accountable to no one else. That one person is the living God. God has the freedom to truly do as He pleases and as He determines to do. No other living being has that freedom.

God, the Potter, is free to do with His clay as He wishes, and He does exactly that. The clay is not only human beings but all which He created, which is everything. Paul highlights this truth in Romans 9:19 - 24. Paul makes it very clear that God had the prerogative to do as He wishes and purposes with His clay since He is the Potter. "But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, 'Why have you made me like this?' Does not the Potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?"

God, man's Creator, has endowed us with with great freedom, capabilities and responsibilities. Since God, however, is the Creator His freedom trumps any level of freedom with which He created man. God is free to so with us as He wishes. He owes us nothing and no explanation for what He does. The fact that God has given such an extensive revelation of Himself, His ways, plans and purposes is a statement of His great mercy and grace.

The first three entries into this blog have focused on God and His sovereignty. It is important for us to remember that there is but one God Who exists in three persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that He is sovereign over all. He is the Potter, everything else is but His clay. Let us be thankful that the One Who is sovereign is good, merciful, gracious, loving and so much more. Let us humble ourselves before Him, as Job did, and honor God for Who He is.