What about _____?

by Adam Bailie

This summer, David and I are excited to teach through several topical issues that come up again and again in our fellowship with you all. These sermons are no less expository, in so much as their content will flow not from our minds, but from the mind of God as revealed in Scripture properly interpreted.

This summer the Bible will answer these questions: 1) What about eternal rewards? (already done) 2) What about God’s goodness in trials? 3) What about giving in the church? 4) What about the role of women in the church? 5) What about unity among Christians? 6) What about Christians and racism? 7) What about human free will?

Just to pique your interest, here is part of an article by John Piper that I read earlier this week regarding the study of human free will.

Before the fall of Adam sinless man was able to sin. For God said, “In the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17). As soon as Adam fell, sinful man was not able not to sin, since we were unbelieving, and “whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). When we are born again, by the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to not sin, for “sin will have no dominion over you” (Romans 6:14). This means that what Paul calls “the natural man” or “the mind of the flesh” is not able not to sin. Paul says this in Romans 8:7-9, “The mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (See also 1 Corinthians 2:14).

How then shall we think of free will?

It is not a saving power. In his freedom to will, fallen man cannot on his own do anything but sin. Such “free will” is a devastating reality. Without some power to overcome it’s bent, our free will only damns us.

Read, pray and prepare for a great summer of growth in grace through the power of the living Word, as we not only hear but do its precious commands!