In Reformed theology, free will does not negate God's sovereignty over suffering; instead, it operates within His sovereign plan.
The relationship between free will and suffering is often misunderstood. While many assert that free will limits God's power by suggesting He cannot intervene to stop suffering, biblical teaching affirms God's ultimate sovereignty. He allows human choices, including sinful actions, to unfold within His divine plan. In John 9, the man’s blindness serves as a vessel for God's glory, suggesting that even through adverse circumstances, God's purposes are accomplished. The sovereignty of God upholds that He can achieve His will despite human actions, thus ensuring that suffering ultimately serves His purpose and leads us closer to Him.
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