Free will to make a choice to obey God or not. You are not free of the consequences of said choice.
In response to your statement 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. I posted Is fear a necessary factor to ensure that we keep God's commandments? This appears to put to bed the idea that we have free will from this religious point of view as obeying through fear as a duty leaves no room for free will once we make the decision to go with your suggestion or interpretation.
The question, "is fear a necessary factor to ensure that we keep God's commandments?" remains.
The NT makes it clear that fear and the perfect love of God are not compatible.
1 John 4:17-18 (New International Version) 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. Verses posted by gum - thanks gum.
Jesus made it clear that those he chose are friends that are ruled by love and not by fear. True friendship is ruled by love and not by fear.
John 15:15-17 (New International Version 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
