The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum The Role Of Works In Our Salvation (2)

First of all, to The Highway Discussion Board!

Perhaps you didn't read what I wrote and you quoted carefully? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/scratchchin.gif" alt="" /> Here is what I wrote: "they are capable of making free decisions within the bounds of their nature." This is exactly that which the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6 when he says that the unregenerate/natural man is a "bondservant of sin" (6:6, 17, 19, 20; cf. Rom 3:10-18; 8:7, 8; Eph 2:1-5; 4:17, 18; Titus 3:3; Gen 6:5; 8:21; Jer 13:23; Job 14:1-4; et al) Man is condemned at conception from the very fact that he is born with Adam's guilt imputed to him. (1/2 of Original Sin) One does not have to reject Christ to be condemned. Yes, I agree with you that man is born "corrupted" (or nature), which is the other half of Original Sin; the inherited depravity of nature, i.e., spiritual death. (Rom 5:12-18; 1Cor 15:21)

So, within this depraved state, man is totally free to do that which the nature dictates/allows, which is sin. Man is free to choose to think and do sin. But even this is curtailed by God's providence by which He restrains and directs the sinful acts of men for His purpose and the good of the Church. The same is true for the influences and work of Satan and the rest of the fallen angelic host. They are capable of doing only that which is sinful but restrained/allowed and directed by God for His purpose.

In His Grace,