In the realm of spiritual matters, the concept of human will and its role in salvation has been a topic of debate among theologians for centuries.

This blog post delves into the idea that our will alone cannot determine our salvation, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the necessity of regeneration. By examining various biblical passages, we aim to shed light on the intricate relationship between God’s will, human will, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

The Word of God and Context

To truly understand the Word of God, we must approach it with reverence and discernment. Merely applying our broken human will or mundane conscience to interpret Scripture is futile. Instead, we should allow Scripture to interpret Scripture, considering the totality of God’s revelation.

The Will of the Father

Jesus unequivocally states that all whom the Father gives Him will come to Him. The Father initiates salvation, and it is His will that none of those given to Jesus should be lost. This highlights the fact that we do not give ourselves to Christ; rather, the Father graciously grants us to Him.

Inability of the Natural Man

The Scriptures affirm that the natural man is spiritually dead in trespasses and sins. Our will, bound by our sinful nature, cannot autonomously choose faith or override the will of Almighty God. We were dead, but God, by His grace, makes us alive together with Christ.

Faith as a Gift of God

Spiritual rebirth, or regeneration, precedes and enables faith in Christ. We cannot generate faith through the power of the flesh, or the human will. Instead, it is the Holy Spirit who works in us, drawing us to believe and receive Christ. Acts 13:48 highlights that those who believe are appointed by God.

God’s Sovereign Work of Salvation

The sovereignty of God is clearly depicted in Scripture. He foreknows, predestines, calls, justifies, and glorifies His people according to His will, not dependent on human will. Our rebellion against God’s sovereignty stems from the fallen nature of the flesh.

Regeneration and Faith

Regeneration and faith are inseparable. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are born again, and our hearts are inclined toward God. Only then can we respond to the call of the Gospel and put our faith in Christ for salvation. Jesus Himself teaches the necessity of being “born again” by the Spirit.

The Connection Between Regeneration and Faith

The Bible emphasizes the close relationship between regeneration and faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5 underscore that salvation is a result of God’s grace, not our righteous works. John 1:12-13 further reinforces that being born of God precedes receiving Christ and believing in His name.

While different theological perspectives exist regarding the interplay between human will and divine sovereignty, it is crucial to acknowledge that Scripture consistently emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation. Our will alone cannot determine our salvation; it is the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration that enables us to respond to God’s gracious call. As we submit ourselves to the Word of God, we can find peace and assurance in the unchanging nature of His redemptive plan for His people.