What does the Bible say about free will?

Scripture consistently testifies against the notion of free will, asserting that without the Spirit of Christ, individuals remain in darkness, sin, and under the influence of Satan. Every assertion about Christ reveals the total inability of human beings to achieve righteousness apart from His divine intervention. Thus, the doctrine of free will is contradicted by numerous biblical passages, which highlight God’s sovereignty and the need for grace in salvation.

The Bible portrays a clear contrast between those who are in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and those who remain outside of Him, enslaved to sin. This reveals the futility of asserting free will in matters of salvation, as it undermines the sovereign grace of God that brings individuals to faith. In essence, acknowledging our total dependence on God’s grace aligns with the biblical narrative of salvation through Christ alone, as outlined in passages such as Ephesians 2:1-5, which illustrates our prior state of death in sin and God’s saving work.

Therefore, when Scripture is examined thoroughly, it becomes evident that the doctrine of free will is not only unbiblical but stands in stark opposition to the fundamental teachings of the Reformed faith which emphasize God's sovereignty in all aspects of salvation.