Chapter 9: Of Free Will

GOD hath indued the Will of Man, with that natural liberty, and power of acting upon choice; that it is neither forced, nor by any necessity of nature determined to do good or evil.^a

1. a. Matthew 17:12; James 1:14; Deuteronomy 30:19

   Matthew 17:12

   James 1:14

   Deuteronomy 30:19

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

Man in his state of innocency, had freedom, and power, to will, and to do that which was good, and well-pleasing to God; but yet^a was mutable, so that he might fall from it.^b

1. a. Ecclesiastes 7:29

   Ecclesiastes 7:29

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Genesis 3:6

   Genesis 3:6

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

Man by his fall into a state of sin hath wholly lost all ability of Will, to any spiritual good accompanying salvation; so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good,^a and dead in Sin, is not able, by his own strength, to^b convert himself; or to prepare himself thereunto.^c

1. a. Romans 5:6; 8:7

   Romans 5:6

   Romans 8:7

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Ephesians 2:1, 5

   Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. Titus 3:3–5; John 6:44

   Titus 3:3–5

   John 6:44

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of Grace he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin, and by his grace alone, enables him^a freely to will, and to do that which is spiritually good; yet so as that by reason of his^b remaining corruptions he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good; but doth also will that which is evil.^c

1. a. Colossians 1:13; John 8:36

   Colossians 1:13

   John 8:36

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Philippians 2:13

   Philippians 2:13

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. Romans 7:15, 18–19, 21, 23

   Romans 7:15; Romans 7:18–19; Romans 7:21; Romans 7:23

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

The Will of Man is made perfectly, and immutably free to good alone, in the state of Glory only.^a

1. a. Ephesians 4:13

   Ephesians 4:13

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible