How does the doctrine of original sin affect our understanding of free will?
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Original sin means that human will is not free to choose good apart from God, emphasizing our need for divine intervention in salvation.
The doctrine of original sin reveals that after the Fall, human nature is corrupted, and the will is bound by sin. Consequently, when discussing free will—if understood as autonomy—it becomes evident that none can choose righteousness without God's grace. Scripture teaches that our hearts must be made willing by God (Philippians 2:13) and that without divine intervention, we are unable to seek God (Romans 3). This underscores the Reformed view that salvation is a work of God’s sovereign grace, whereby He draws His elect to Himself, granting them the will to believe.
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