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How does free will relate to God's sovereignty?

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Free will is understood as being bound by sin; true freedom comes from God's sovereign grace.

In the context of salvation, free will does not denote an ability to choose God without divine assistance, as human wills are inherently depraved and rebellious against God. Romans 9:16 emphasizes that salvation is 'not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.' This reinforces the belief that God’s sovereignty precedes human choice. Believers are granted new hearts and desires by God's grace, enabling them to respond to the gospel in faith. Thus, true freedom is not the ability to choose apart from God, but the grace to choose God as a response to His calling.
Scripture References: Romans 9:16, Ephesians 2:4-5

Sermons (1)

Sovereign Mercy
Tom Harding · Jan 28, 2018