What does the Bible say about free will in relation to salvation?

In Reformed theology, the concept of free will is understood in the light of Scripture, particularly in passages such as Romans 9. Here, Paul emphasizes that the purpose of God according to election stands—not based on human actions but solely on God's will. This challenges the common misunderstanding that human free will is what grants access to salvation. Instead, it is God who extends mercy according to His sovereign purpose. Our natural inclination is to refuse God, making it clear that unless God intervenes and opens our eyes, we remain in darkness, relying on our own understanding without recognizing our need for Him.