As we summarize and bring to conclusion several of the last few posts on the Calvinistic Doctrine of Man’s Inability, there are a few things left I’d like to add. You can get caught up here:
- Calvinism: An Introduction
- The Total Inability of Man
- Sermon: Total Depravity – Voddie Baucham
- An Objection to Total Inability: Matthew 11:28-30
- An Objection to Total Inability: Deuteronomy 30:19
- An Objection to Total Inability: Joshua 24:15
First, is an overview list of several Scriptures which support the understanding of man’s total depravity and his inability to choose God:
- Genesis 6:5
- Genesis 8:21
- Psalm 14:1-3
- Jeremiah 4:22
- Jeremiah 13:23
- Jeremiah 17:9-10
- John 3:3,5
- John 6:44
- John 12:37-39
- Romans 1:28-32
- Romans 3:9-19
- Romans 6:16-19
- Romans 8:7-8
- Galatians 3:22
- Ephesians 2:1,5
- Colossians 2:13
- Titus 3:3
Next, From R.C. Sproul’s book Chosen By God at the conclusion of the chapter entitled “Predestination and Free Will” he has provided a helpful summary of man’s free will, which is in accord with some of the conclusions made here:
- Free will is defined as the “ability to make choices according to our desires.”
- The concept of “neutral free will,” a will without prior disposition or inclination is a false view or free will. Is is both irrational and unbiblical.
- True free will involves a kind of self-determination, which differs from coercion from an external force.
- We struggle with choices, in part because we live with conflicting and changing desires.
- Fallen man has the natural ability to make choices but lacks the moral ability to make godly choices.
- Fallen man, as St. Augustine said, has “free will” but lacks liberty.
- Original sin is not the first sin but the sinful condition that is the result of Adam’s and Eve’s sin.
- Fallen man is “unable to not sin.”
- Jesus taught that man is powerless to come to Him without divine aid.
- Before a person will ever choose Jesus, he must first be born again.
Finally, the video below is from R.C. Sproul’s Chosen By God 2008 Alaskan Cruise. It helpfully adds to the posts that I’ve written.