How does election affect our understanding of free will?

The doctrine of election provides a biblical framework for understanding free will in relation to salvation. It teaches that prior to being born again, our will is captive to sin and incapable of choosing God on its own. However, upon being elected and regenerated by God's grace, believers are given the ability to willingly turn to Christ in faith. This transformation emphasizes that any ability to respond positively to God originates from His sovereign act of choosing and renewing us, thus highlighting grace over merit.