This is from the Ligonier lesson on Understanding Free Will by R.C. Sproul (Lesson 5: Sovereign Grace).<\/p>\n
From Augustinians: The ability to do what we want<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Jonathan Edwards on free will definition: Free will is that which our minds choose according to our strongest inclination<\/strong>\/desire at the moment.<\/p>\n Edwards argued against pagan philosophers that stated that true free will must be indifference<\/strong>. Such as the Alice (in Wonderland) asking Cheshire cat on which path to take, but when she couldn't tell the cat where she wants to go, the cat replied that it really doesn't matter which path to take in that case. Edwards said that this is illogical because: 1. it would not have been a moral choice (which requires reason to choose), 2. it would be impossible to choose at all!\u00a0- since it has no cause - undermines the law of causality. Thus, the idea of indifference choice => nonsensical concept.<\/p>\n Edwards further made the distinction between: natural & moral ability (similar to Augustine's freewill & liberty). We have natural ability, but lack the moral ability to choose the things of God.<\/p>\n The problem is we always do what we want, and what we want, without grace, is always evil. This is the free will of our fallen state. We ALWAYS (MUST)<\/strong> choose and do according to our strongest desire<\/strong>. We not only can choose, but we MUST choose what we want. This is the definition of free will, not the opposite of it.<\/p>\n Though we still have free will, we have lost, according to Augustine, the Liberty (choosing God, do what God wants, moral ability), since the Fall. Hence our will is corrupted.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This is from the Ligonier lesson on Understanding Free Will by R.C. Sproul (Lesson 5: Sovereign Grace). From Augustinians: The ability to do what we want. Jonathan Edwards on free will definition: Free will is that which our minds choose … Continue reading