FREEDOM OF WI LL

[5:1] Freedom of choice to follow the laws of God or not to follow them, is
granted to all men. If a person wants to follow the path of virtue, becoming
a tzaddik (righteous person), that is his choice. Similarly, he can choose to follow
the road of evil, becoming a rosha (wicked person). After Adam sinned, the
Bible says, "Man has now become like one of us in knowing good and evil."
(Genesis 3:22). Meaning, mankind has become unique in the world. Only man,
with his knowledge and thought, can distinguish good from evil and choose
between the two. Adam and Eve were sentenced to die for their sin as they were
forewarned. Therefore, Adam had to be expelled and banished from the Garden
of Eden, because he now had free choice to put forth his hand and also take from
the Tree of Life and live forever." (Genesis 3:27).
[5.2] Do not even contemplate the notion held by gentile fools, and ignorant
Jews, that God decides at birth whether a person will be righteous or wicked.
This is not true. Each person has the potential to become a righteous person
going in the ways of the prophet Moses our teacher, or to be an evildoer like
Yerovam (the evil king, who sinned and made others sin). He may acquire
wisdom or foolishness, be compassionate or ruthless, miserly or generous, or
have any other character trait. There is no higher power that compels, persuades
or decrees which path one must choose. He is on his own accord, he freely
chooses the road he wants to follow. Jerimiyah the prophet explained, "It is not at
the word of the Most High, that evil or good come forth." (Lamentations 3:38).
Meaning that the Creator does not decree that man be evil or righteous; the
sinner's punishment is caused by himself. Therefore, a sinner should cry, grieving
for his sins and for the harm he has done to his soul. Jerimiyah the prophet hints
to this in the following verse, "What shall a living man bemoan? Each one his
own sins!" (Lamentations 3:39). Jerimiyah explains: Since we have free choice, it
was our decision to commit these wrongs. Therefore we should repent, abstaining
from wickedness, since this also is in our control. He continues, "Let us search
and examine our ways, and turn back to God." (Lamentations 3:40).
[5:3] The principle of freedom of choice is a basic concept and a pillar on which
the entire Torah and mitzvos rest, as it is written, "See, I have set before you
today to choose between life and good, and death and evil." (Deuteronomy
30.15). Also, "See, I am placing before you today a blessing and a curse."
(Deuteronomy 11:26), implying that the choice is up to the person. A person can
do good or evil. Therefore, when the Jews accepted the Torah, God pleaded with
them to remain righteous, saying, "If only their hearts would always remain like
this." (Deuteronomy 5:26). This implies that God does not force a person to do
either good or bad. It is his own decision.