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How does the Reformed perspective understand man's ability to respond to God?

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The Reformed perspective holds that mankind is spiritually dead and incapable of responding to God without divine intervention.

From a Reformed theological viewpoint, it is understood that humanity is spiritually dead in sin and thus unable to respond positively to God without His initiative. This truth is grounded in Ephesians 2:1, which states that men are 'dead in trespasses and sins.' It is only through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that a person is able to see and believe the truth of the gospel. The notion of free will in this context is deemed misleading since it improperly suggests that individuals possess the ability to choose God apart from His grace. Salvation is seen wholly as a work of God, wherein He gives life to the spiritually dead and draws them to Himself.
Scripture References: Ephesians 2:1

Sermons (1)

Somebody Is Lying
Marvin Stalnaker · Jul 3, 2016
Joshua

Joshua

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