Free Will of a Fallen Nature

© 2019 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

Years ago, I and a fellow graduate student were awaiting the professor’s arrival at class.  We began to discuss the Gospel of Christ.  He said, “I’m too busy with life’s pleasures to submit to Christ’s restraints.”  He added, “I’ll get all the pleasure I can out of life.  Then, on my death bed, I’ll ask Christ to save me.”

This man had relied upon a false view of what many preachers call “free will.”  In this view of “free will,” the individual is not only free to choose, but also has the ability, at any time, to choose that which is good and Godly.  The Bible has quite another view of “free will.”  It reveals that people choose according to their natures.

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” (Jeremiah 13:23)

When dogs vomit, or pigs wallow in mud, they freely act according to their natures.  However, those “free” choices emanate from their natures, and are dictated by them.

“But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:22)

“As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.” (Proverbs 26:11)

When, in Eden, mankind fell, his desire to fellowship with God died.  Consequently, we’ve all inherited a dead and fallen nature which does not seek God.

“There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” (Romans 3:11)

This carnal, fallen nature, cannot please God in any way.

“…Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. …” (Romans 8:6-10)

The Apostle Paul knew only God can sovereignly quicken (make alive) a dead spirit.  Paul writes to believers:

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” (Ephesians 2:1)

God the Son, Jesus Christ, died and rose again paying sin’s penalty for His people.  Christian:  Don’t deceive unbelievers into thinking they can choose God at any time with sovereign “free will”.  Rather, preach God’s Word which shows the dead sinner’s urgent need for God’s quickening!  His Word is God’s power unto salvation.

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