Do We Have Free Will in Heaven?

March 15, 2011 // Posted by Brad Hoffmann // 1 Comment


I was recently asked this question, “Is there free will in heaven?” It caused me to ponder. We speak often of the benefits, worship, glory, and surroundings of heaven. Scripture speaks often about these. Yet, when it comes to the question of choice, the answer is not so easily found. Admittedly, one’s theological perspective shapes one’s response. How do I answer this question? I believe God’s created will have free will in heaven. Free will is present, but capacity to sin is lost. While there is no specific verse supporting or contradicting this position, one’s answer must be determined from theological frameworks and various interpretations. Since I fall in the middle of Tiessen’s (Providence and Prayer) spectrum as a Redemptive Interventionist, I err on the side of freedom (as part of my theological framework). Since we understand by God’s word and experience such concepts of justification and sanctification. It’s the glorification component that is yet to be fully experienced and known.

  1. God created man with the ability to exercise free will.
  2. Free choice has its consequences.
  3. Having freedom to choose doesn’t indicate a willingness or wantonness to choose sin.
  4. The option to sin isn’t a choice in heaven since there is no sin in heaven. We are free to choose, but do not have the capacity to sin. We choose obedience.
  5. Therefore we don’t lose our freedom to choose, just our capacity to sin.

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” … 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:3-5, 27

30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. John 5:30

4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Romans 6:4-7

One thought on “Do We Have Free Will in Heaven?”

  1. CG Didymus

    Supposedly, one third of the angel’s made a bad choice. Even with Jesus in a Christian’s heart, that person can’t keep from doing somethings wrong. Either yes or no has problems. If no, then why didn’t God make us perfect to begin with and save us all a lot of pain and trouble.

    If yes, then what are the choices? Go sit by the river and pray? Go to the temple and worship? What if after ten billion years someone skips prayer or worship?

    Anyway, I felt bad that no one has bothered to comment. Where are the Christians? I’m a seeker and I need to hear what real Christians are thinking.

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