Featured Biblical Human Will Limitations

The idea we are free to choose from among available options is consistent with our experience. Scripture tells us God sometimes restricts our options, i.e. hardening the hearts of some such that they will reject the gospel, i.e. Romans 11.

"The absence of free will is, however, devastating to all theists since without it you cannot choose to be evil or good, and therefore deserve neither punishment nor salvation."
So the complete absence of free will is irrational and unrestricted free will is unbiblical. Some assert since we are free to choose among various sinful actions, but unable to choose the narrow path that leads to life, it makes sense for God to punish us for the sin we chose. Rational minds object.

We can harden our own hearts by the practice of sin. And God can harden hearts for His purpose, such as Romans 11. God can choose a person well on the way of hardening his own heart, and complete the process. Scripture does not rule any of the three out.

Some say whatsoever comes to pass is predestined to occur. Therefore God is the author of sin. Then some others say while it is true that God to be sovereign must predestine everything, that does not make God the author of sin. Rational minds object.

Why would God still blame us for our choices after He hardened our heart? My answer is He would not. But prior to that those hardened did make sinful choices, sealing their fate. The hardening, like physical death, simply ends the opportunity to obtain mercy. God, as the potter has the right to harden whoever He pleases.

Why would God do that, cut short the opportunity of some, and endure their hardened behavior? God did so to make known the riches of His glory (see Romans 9), including even us which He called not from Jews only but also from among Gentiles.

Our ability to make choices from among various options can be restricted by God for His purpose, thus the Biblical doctrine is "Limited Free Will."

Romans 9:16 teaches men can will and work to be saved, thus total spiritual inability as the result of the Fall is shown to be mistaken doctrine.

So when you see disputes raging over complete slavery to sin versus complete freedom of our will, consider that we are fallen and therefore predisposed to sin with a corrupt nature, but we are not so incapacitated as to not be responsible for our choices to reject Christ, or to not treat others as we would treat ourselves, because we have the capacity to accept Christ, and strive to do the will of God.

 

Luke13:24
“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

According to some false teachers, no one ever at any time has the ability to seek salvation, due to total spiritual inability, but verse after verse teaches the opposite truth.

 

Yet another taint so post, denying Luke 13:24 teaches many will seek salvation, proving total spiritual inability does not afflict all people.

 

Yet another material false statement. Folks, just read Luke 13:24

“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

 

Calvinist spew unbiblical doctrine, but avoid scripture like a plague.

 

Utter nonsense, the path leads to life. And many will seek, thus the claim all the lost cannot seek is false. And pointing to your distinction without a difference between God's kingdom and Christ's kingdom, do not nullify the fact many using their spiritual ability seek the kingdom.

 

Please stop your off topic posts finding fault with me and avoiding addressing the topic.
And who said constant struggling is required to enter the narrow gate?
People, many, seek salvation, thus demonstrating some spiritual ability. Have you said that is true or is not true?

 

You deny many seek salvation, which means your doctrine is unbiblical. Care to revise your statement?

 

Y1, please address whether many seek God as scripture states.
“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Are you going to dodge truth?