“Free will” is often used to describe an individual’s response to the Gospel. Many assume that a “free will” is a will capable of choosing either good or evil.

However, Scripture, illustrates man’s will, by describing how certain creatures freely exercise their wills. Speaking of those who reject the Gospel, the apostle Peter said,

“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).

These illustrations serve to show us that creatures, given freedom of choice, will always act according to their natures. Sows will wallow in the mire. Dogs will lick up their own vomit. Unredeemed men will continue pursuing their wicked ways.

The will of an unsaved person is subject to his or her own fallen nature which loves sin. Scripture uses the leopard to illustrate this bondage of human “free will” to that fallen nature.

“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 unsaved man is allowed to choose freely, he will always choose sin. After all, he has a dead or carnal heart. The apostle Paul said,

“…the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:7-8).

So how can a person be saved? Jesus, God the Son, came to offer Himself as a blood sacrifice to pay the redemption price for sinners. However, He made it clear that, because of the corruption of our wills, we need a supernatural work of grace upon our hearts in order to even want to come to Him. Jesus said,

“Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father” (John 6:65).

He also said,

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).

If God has breathed life into your dead heart, producing a willingness to repent and receive mercy, praise Him for His sovereign miracle of grace and ask for His forgiveness. He won’t cast you out!