Divine Justice and Human Free Will: Why We Are Responsible for Our Fate

Many question the righteousness of divine justice when, according to Christian theology, everything is already written by God. How can we be responsible for our actions if our fate is predetermined? This article delves into the concepts of divine will and human free will, clarifying why we are indeed responsible for our choices, and how our actions determine our ultimate destination.

Understanding Free Will vs. Divine Necessity

Shalom, dear friends. In exploring this complex issue, it’s essential to understand that the universe operates in two distinct ways: through necessity and through free will. Just as celestial bodies follow a fixed path driven by necessity, performing their appointed roles, human beings exercise their free will, making choices based on their individual judgments.

Let’s take a closer look:

The Motion of Necessity

Necessity governs the natural world, enabling phenomena like the movement of the heavenly luminaries. These motions are predetermined and do not require personal choice. However, when it comes to humanity, the situation is different. People make decisions based on their own will and judgment, which is why we can choose to act either positively or negatively.

The Power of Choice

It is here that the power of human choice, or free will, comes into play. The Lord has bestowed upon us this freedom to decide our own path. This is precisely what distinguishes humanity from other forms of existence. While God foreknows the outcomes of our choices, He does not control or cause our actions. Thus, the final responsibility for our actions lies with the individual.

Why Are We Responsible for Our Actions?

The core of the issue revolves around the dual nature of human existence: divine creation and human autonomy. Here’s the breakdown:

Free Will and Consequences

Man, as a created being, is granted the freedom to choose between good and evil. This freedom is not just a theoretical concept but a practical reality that guides our actions. While God has laid out the foundational commands and divine laws, the ultimate choices we make are ours to bear.

It is our deeds, not God’s directives, that determine our fate. For instance, whether we follow the path of righteousness or succumb to temptation is entirely up to us. The Lord allows us to exercise this freedom, and the consequences of our actions define our journey after death.

Divine Foreknowledge vs. Divine Determinism

It’s important to differentiate between divine foreknowledge and divine determinism. God knows our future actions, but He does not cause them. Human beings actively choose their paths, and this is what makes free will meaningful. It allows us to learn, grow, and take responsibility for our lives.

Creating Heaven and Hell for Ourselves

The creation of heaven and hell, therefore, serves as a reflection of our choices rather than a predetermined destiny. By choosing to follow the path of righteousness—doing good and abstaining from evil—we may find ourselves in paradise. Conversely, by choosing evil, we might find ourselves in hell.

This principle is illustrated through analogies like the following:

Karma: In Hindu philosophy, karma dictates that our actions determine our future. Similar to this concept, our actions here and now shape our ultimate destiny. Social Morality: Even in everyday life, people judge the actions of others based on societal norms and expectations. These judgments reflect the real-world consequences of our deeds.

Why God Is Not Punishing Us

To blame God for our choices is to misunderstand the nature of divine justice. God does not bring about our negative actions; rather, we are the ones who choose to act in ways that may lead to punishment. When we do hurt animals, neglect our parents in old age, or harm others, we are the cause of our own suffering. We make these choices, and in doing so, we are taking responsibility for our own lives.

Let’s consider a few examples:

Hurting Animals: One of the ten commandments states, "Thou shalt not kill." Violating this command leads to dire consequences in many belief systems. Neglecting Parents: In cultures with strong familial values, such actions are deeply condemned and often result in personal guilt or societal disapproval. Hurting Others: Insulting, dominating, cheating—all these actions violate ethical and moral principles, leading to personal and social repercussions.

People are not innocent; they are fully aware of what is right and what is wrong. However, most often, people choose to gratify their ego rather than adhere to moral and ethical standards.

Conclusion

Ultimately, divine justice is not arbitrary; it is a reflection of the choices we make. We are responsible for our actions, and our ultimate destination depends on the choices we make. Whether we find ourselves in heaven or hell is a direct consequence of our deeds. Let us each choose wisely, for the responsibility lies not with an external force but with the individual.