What Does the Bible Say About Free Will To Choose To Serve God?

Joshua 24:15 ESV / 11 helpful votes

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 30:19 ESV / 9 helpful votes

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 5 helpful votes

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

John 3:16 ESV / 5 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ESV / 5 helpful votes

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 1:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes

He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

Ephesians 1:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Galatians 1:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes

But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,

Romans 6:23 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 14:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

John 6:44 ESV / 4 helpful votes

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

John 1:12-13 ESV / 4 helpful votes

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Proverbs 16:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

1 John 2:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

James 1:5 ESV / 3 helpful votes

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Romans 10:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 8:29 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Acts 17:30 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

Acts 2:38 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 15:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

John 6:65 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

John 3:16-17 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 1:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Luke 13:3 ESV / 3 helpful votes

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Mark 1:15 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Matthew 6:24 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Isaiah 3:1-26 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For behold, the Lord God of hosts is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah support and supply, all support of bread, and all support of water; the mighty man and the soldier, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder, the captain of fifty and the man of rank, the counselor and the skillful magician and the expert in charms. And I will make boys their princes, and infants shall rule over them. And the people will oppress one another, every one his fellow and every one his neighbor; the youth will be insolent to the elder, and the despised to the honorable. ...

Proverbs 1:29 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,

Revelation 22:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

Revelation 2:1-29 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. ...

2 Peter 3:6 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Hebrews 12:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 6:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

2 Timothy 1:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

2 Thessalonians 1:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Ephesians 1:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ

Galatians 5:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Romans 9:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—

Romans 8:29-30 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Romans 8:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 6:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Romans 6:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Acts 13:48 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Acts 4:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

John 8:24 ESV / 2 helpful votes

I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”

John 7:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.

Luke 13:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Luke 12:48 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

Mark 10:45 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 22:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Matthew 20:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 7:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Daniel 4:35 ESV / 2 helpful votes

All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

Ezekiel 18:32 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”

Ezekiel 18:30-32 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”

Jeremiah 1:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

Isaiah 65:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

I will destine you to the sword, and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter, because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not listen, but you did what was evil in my eyes and chose what I did not delight in.”

Isaiah 56:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For thus says the Lord: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant,

Proverbs 21:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

Proverbs 16:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

Proverbs 3:31 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,

Psalm 119:173 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.

Psalm 119:30 ESV / 2 helpful votes

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.

1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Joshua 24:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:14-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Exodus 4:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“If they will not believe you,” God said, “or listen to the first sign, they may believe the latter sign.

Genesis 2:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

72 Bible Verses about Free Will To Choose To Serve God

Joshua 24:15 ESV / 11 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Deuteronomy 30:19 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 1:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 1:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Galatians 1:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 6:23 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 14:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 6:44 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 1:12-13 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 2:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 1:5 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 10:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 8:29 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 17:30 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 2:38 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 15:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 6:65 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16-17 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 1:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 13:3 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 1:15 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:24 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 3:1-26 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 1:29 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 22:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 2:1-29 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Peter 3:6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 2:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 12:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 6:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 1:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 1:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 1:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Galatians 5:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 9:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 8:29-30 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 8:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 6:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 6:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 13:48 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 4:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 8:24 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 7:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 13:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 12:48 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 10:45 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 22:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 20:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 7:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Daniel 4:35 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ezekiel 18:32 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ezekiel 18:30-32 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jeremiah 1:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 65:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 56:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 21:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 3:31 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 119:173 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 119:30 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Joshua 24:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Joshua 24:14-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Exodus 4:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 2:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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