213 – Man’s Free Agency “3”

SEMESTER 1

213 – Man’s Free Agency “3”

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE:  SOTERIOLOGY I LESSON # 13
MAN’S FREE AGENCY  “3”         MAN’S FREE AGENCY (CONTINUED)

INTRODUCTION:

1. Two lessons have already been dedicated to this subject, but the common misunderstanding warrants a great deal more.
2. We have spoken of the definition of “free agency” and “free will.”
3. We have dealt with the freedom the depraved man has, and the evil direction he always goes because of it.
4. If this is true, does it then follow that when a man is converted, he does not act freely?
5. This is the caricature frequently brought against the doctrine of effectual divine calling. Is it true?
6. Does it warrant the “bugbear” picture of the sinner dragged to salvation, against his will?
7. In this lesson, let us consider:

I. FREE AGENCY (FREE WILL) AND CONVERSION

1. It is biblical and logical that man is unable to turn to God, without divine quickening. (Eph 2:1, Joh 6:44, Joh 6:65, Rom 8:7-8, 1Co 2:14, Jer 17:9, Jer 13:23, Job. 14:4, Pro 4:23)
2. The “apparent impasse” here is easily solved when we see that the New Nature (through quickening) is implanted logically prior to repentance and faith. (Eph 1:19-20)
3. Be sure we do not say chronologically prior, for chronologically these come instantly.
4. An illustration of this truth is seen in the resurrection of Lazarus.
5. The New Hampshire Confession (a most common one among Independent Baptists) states this clearly as “inseparable graces wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God.”
6. When a man turns to Christ, he acts voluntarily, out of the new nature just imparted.
7. Though a man may express compulsion, he feels that compul­sion, from within, not without.
8. The Spirit worked below his consciousness, thus he acted differently, yet equally as freely. (Phi 2:13)

II. FREE AGENCY AND CHRISTIAN CONDUCT

1. Because action is different, some imagine that the principle of free agency changes in the Christian.

i. Action does, but the principle of free agency does not.

2. The sinner and the Christian are equally free in their actions.
3. Both act out their character, the difference is in the character. Contrast Joh 8:34 to Rom 6:18.

III: an eagle and a gopher

4. Let it be remembered that the Christian yet has the old nature to contend with. (Rom 7:14-23)
5. Thus, we may experience a “conflict of will” (Gal 5:17), yet will is always the free expression of the character.

III. FREE AGENCY AND DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY

1. I have stated my absolute belief in man’s free agency (qualified by what he is).
2. Let me also state my total commitment to the absolute sovereignty of God. (Eph 1:11)
3. Men often imagine an impasse between these two doctrines. No such difficulty exists.
4. The imagination of it manifests a misunderstanding of one or both of the doctrines.
5. Frequently, ignorance of human depravity brings confusion here.

IV. FREE AGENCY AND OPTIONAL CONDUCT

1. By this, I mean in the words of J. P. Boyce, “that one had the power to do otherwise than he does, had he so pleased.”
2. This means, as he prefers, all things being considered.
3. Do not confuse executive volition, with imminent preference.

III: Cleaning house or taking out trash.

4. This doctrine will come into clearer view as we proceed through other doctrines.