How the Lord Preserves
Freedom, Yet Still
Leads – by Bending
The Rt. Rev. Brian W. Keith
O
ne of the treasured teachings of the New Church is how the Lord preserves
human freedom. In fact, one could argue the ability to act in freedom
according to reason – the first law of Divine Providence – is a bedrock of what
makes us human. It is described as the Lord’s dwelling place with us. (True
Christian Religion 74:3) As the Lord leads us, He protects and ensures that
we are never compelled to believe what is true or to do what is good unless
we choose it. (Arcana Coelestia 1947, 5854:2; Apocalypse Explained 1138:2-6,
Divine Providence passim)
This is further explained:
The Lord could through angels lead a person into good ends by omnipotent force;
but this would be to take away the person’s life, for his life consists in entirely
contrary loves. Therefore the Divine law is inviolable, that a person shall be in
freedom, and that good and truth, or charity and faith, shall be implanted in his
freedom, and by no means in compulsion; because what is received in a state of
compulsion does not remain, but is dissipated. For to compel a person is not to
insinuate into his will, because it is then the will of another from which he acts; and
therefore when he returns to his own will, that is, to his own freedom, this is rooted
out. (Arcana Coelestia 5854:2)
So the Lord will never force us to be good. While He provides the Word,
He does not compel anyone to read it or listen to it. He does not coerce anyone
to attend church. He won’t intervene and stop us from doing something wrong.
And when we have done something wrong, there is no thunder from heaven
admonishing or threatening us. In fact, with a little bit of effort it is not too
difficult to quiet the nagging voice of conscience!
But such emphasis can be placed on the Lord leaving us in freedom that
it can appear He is rather sitting on the sidelines, awaiting the exercise of our
free choice. And only then does He respond to it.
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