Why We Can’t Choose God

R.C. Sproul explains why we can't choose God, even though we have free will.
Transcript: www.ligonier.org/blog/why-we-c...
Message: www.ligonier.org/learn/series/...

[@Dan9Gonzalez]

I still can't believe how someone can speak so profoundly yet so understandable. In 3 minutes btw

[@alexp8924]

"we are not free from our sinful impulses". I guess this can sound "profound" and "understandable" for someone who was indoctrinated with this specific religion. I don't even know what that means.

[@Dan9Gonzalez]

@@alexp8924 send me an email to [e-mail] so I can explain you, so important!

[@CEOofSleep]

@Dd S ?

[@CEOofSleep]

@Dd S what

[@larssstonet]

Haha tru 💯

[@charlesratcliff2016]

Thank you God for this man

[@coffeeloversuefa5594]

Amen Amen and Amen. True freedom comes from God. I rather be slave for God.

[@BirdogEd]

thank you Lord for the blood of Jesus which washes away my sins!

[@prayerinsights]

❤ "The only way we can get out of that prison is if God sets us free" To God be the glory who has chosen us to show forth His praises. May God reward you for sharing this video with us.

[@tamitha20]

thank u God for setting me free from my sins!!!!

[@2timothy23]

We are free to sin, which means we're actually slaves to it. So our "freedom" is actually bondage. Our true freedom comes from being servants to Christ. And who the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:34-36). The mistake comes when we think we're free in our sin nature to do anything pleasing to God, which Romans 3:10-12 and 8:6-8 tells us is not true at all. And what is the most pleasing thing we could do towards God; seek Him and repent of our sins and trusting Christ. Yet our whole nature of sin is against God because we're spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1-3) and our nature is to transgress against the laws of God (1 John 3:4). This is why man is responsible, because he knows all about God (Romans 1:18-23) but denies Him in every fiber of his being. Without God's grace to save us, we would be rightfully hell-bound based on our radical depraved nature. Yet Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us it is by His grace through faith that we're saved, not of our works, lest we boast.

[@aliciah5367]

Eric Smith what you said is so beautiful and true!

[@joshfujii2598]

Truth be told, brother.

[@Broken-Flesh]

Eric Smith Praise be to God for that!

[@2timothy23]

Amen, cutie. There are many believers that like to argue about free-will because it makes us swell up with pride to think we didn't have a hand in salvation. Yet so many don't realize that elevating man to a high standard of free-will actually demotes God's attributes where He is no longer God. Anyway, John 6:44 clearly says no man can come to Christ unless the Father draws him. "Can" speaks of ability, therefore no man has the ability. And the Greek word for draw in that verse is literally drag. God the Father doesn't bring a man against his will, but changes his will so he would willingly come. We are dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-3) and dead people need to be revived before they can do anything. In John 11:43, when Jesus told Lazarus to come forth, He brought him back to life so that he could come forth. Lazarus didn't participate in it in his own power at all because he needed to be revived first. In the same way, God needs to revive us before we can call out to Him in repentant faith.

[@tamitha20]

thank u! i couldn't have said it better myself. God bless u.

[@wbcamino57]

My heart is broken seen how mercy is God to us, and how Siners we are. Praise the Lord for his mercy !!

[@robertmize327]

Amen!

[@abrahamcheng3398]

This is so helpful, RC Sproul helps me to understand the Reformed theology. He has a gift to help people understand some difficult doctrine easily as learning 123.

[@barrygaynor1025]

"Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." --Bible

[@VictorFelipe82]

Amen, brother Barry.

[@williamantila5262]

Yes Romans 10:13... interesting how it follows chapter 9... if I'm sensing your nuanced meaning correctly

[@mordecaiesther3591]

❤you must CHOOSE … you have a free will

[@Terrylb285]

There are hundreds of millions of people who have lived and died, and have never called upon the name of the Lord , or chose to receive Christ as their savior simply because they never heard of the God of the Bible and know nothing of Jesus Christ.

[@gracesue4401]

True Freedom, True Joy, True Quality of life are only found in Jesus Christ ..He fully satisfies our innermost being !

[@71superbee39]

The fallen nature of the sinner can no more respond to the Gospel apart from the Holy Spirit than Lazarus could respond to the command to come out of the tomb ... Every true believer is the result of a sovereign act of the Father .. The Father "draws" the sinner to Jesus and grants the sinner the faith to trust the Father's only Begotten for their salvation.... Shalom and Maranatha!!

[@JewandGreek]

That analogy makes about as much sense as applying the qualities of flour, yeast, and water in bread to the Bread of Life. Add the ingredients, stir, and bake and you have eternal life. Simple! Sinners are called to repentance throughout the Bible with no mention of any special dispensation of grace to do so. Jesus said "If I be lifted up I will draw ALL MEN unto Me." (John 12:32)

[@jeffouellette9946]

@@JewandGreek most Christians don't want to repent.

[@thomasthepromise8430]

John 11 (Lazarus) is not a metaphor of spiritual deadness/salvation, but a real story included in John's gospel to demonstrate Christ's power over death. Jesus never alluded to spiritually lost people as dead, but as sick. Paul's assertion of us being "dead in our trespasses" is not referring to any moral inability to respond to God's gracious call for reconciliation. That is why the gospel of Jesus Christ is good news, and humans are held responsible for our response to it.

[@kingben4498]

Wonderful, this is total depravity in a nutshell.

[@jenJ-uq8ej]

R.C. and Ligonier Ministries mean very much to the sheep! Thank you for all that you do! Who was, Who is, Who is to come...

[@truthseeker1795]

RC is definitely one of God's educators. I have learned so much from listening to his explanations. Of the Bible. Even though he is with the Father his presence is still felt.

[@dgh4918]

Amen

[@Mr.B321]

But if you believe what he’s saying the. You don’t even know if he’s with the Father. He could just be using his “free will” to submit to God who in the end never chose him.

[@victorcritelli5790]

So why does Jesus say to Count the Cost?

[@truthseeker1795]

@@victorcritelli5790 Remember when Jesus speaks if everyone he is referring to the choosen or elect - the one's God chose to beable to believe. Not everyone does. If you able to believe then God has allowed this to happen. Many people say they can't believe no matter the evidence - those have nor received God's grace yet.

[@victorcritelli5790]

@@truthseeker1795 Hmm, So if we are talking about those God Choose to believe and grace is irresistible , Why is Jesus saying count the cost then? If it is irresistible its a moot point is it not, if they see its to costly then how would they reject what is irresistible??

[@mygarden365]

Reaching back,R.C. Teaches us the truth.Thank you Ligonier!

[@RonaldM992000]

Rc Sproul was a satanic preacher, just like Calvinism is satanic.

[@thomassj87]

Amen! Good and clear word! Anyone else see the little kid in the front row? We need to teach and train kids in truth!

[@humberton2306]

Amen Mr Sproul.

[@tommasolombardi3520]

What an amazing doctrine. Always brings me to tears. Thank you my almighty God for everything you do and thank you for RC

[@brandedforchrist8502]

This is the true response to the doctrine of predestination, it leaves us breathless and it breaks our hearts to see what we have done to such a loving and compassionate God

[@AMessengerofTruth]

@@brandedforchrist8502 Yes, it's too bad this doctrine is met with great hostility. They call you a "Calvinist" as if it's some derogatory term, but no, it's simply what the Bible teaches. I hated this doctrine when I first heard it but I couldn't deny it any longer, it's all throughout the Bible. Fun little story: I was given visions for several days, maybe months before I found this doctrine. A sword was piercing my heart over and over again. I believe this was the sword which was destroying my "heart of stone" as described in Ezekiel 36. Perhaps it was an angel, maybe the angel Gabriel because that is who I was named after. Anyways, after I found this doctrine, the visions stopped and I was truly humbled because I realized God didn't have to save me. I am no different from anybody else. Now I live in obedience to His Word. Not perfect, of course, but truly I experienced a complete 180. My sinful desires were genuinely pushed out by new desires. I began reading the Bible every day, telling all my friends and family about Jesus and what God has done, and more. I can't explain it but wish I could to those who don't understand. It's like when John was told to eat the little book in Revelation 10. We read the Word of God and are filled with great joy, but we are constantly nauseated by the truth which is that the people who reject Jesus are going to face judgement. This is why we spread the Good News, to reach God's lost sheep.

[@donfilkins298]

such a great preacher.

[@docholliday7548]

Preacher, teacher & theologian extraordinaire

[@RonaldM992000]

RC was satanic. God's Word clearly exposes Calvinism as the satanic lie that it is, and RC was a satanic liar.

[@jerseycowboy1]

What a gift RC sproul had to expound on the word of God.

[@timothy6115]

WOW!! This was just incredible. If I was shown this years ago, I would have embraced reformed theology, instead of embracing weird charismatic teachings.

[@docholliday7548]

Ditto. It took me approximately 30 years to come to the realization that, as CH Spurgeon so eloquently stated, reformed theology is Biblical theology.

[@musicandcoffee2853]

Solid truth

[@bleysmonroe5994]

I could listen to R.C sproul all day

[@DogSoldier1948]

Amen

[@morriswilburn9858]

No one is saved without being drawn by the Holy Spirit. Some of the people being drawn accept Him, others reject Him.

[@llewellynGS1]

According to John Ch 6, “no one can come to God unless he is drawn by the father”. That word ‘drawn’ in the greek means ‘dragged’. In Rm 8 it says “all who he calls he justifies”. So therefore, the ones he “drags” are saved, none are lost.

[@BiblicalDhiman]

True Freedom lies within the boundaries and that's why God planted a tree of knowledge of good and evil.

[@eddiesprain8243]

We are inclined toward sin, but we are able to respond positively to the gospel message in faith.

[@JesseMongia]

Yes ,we are inclined constantly to be in opposition to God and goodness .and because of this we are incapable of choosing God in faith without God's influence upon the discision process . Scripture says God "draws" us to Christ .That ancient greek word ,"draw" ,is a strong, non-combative ,unresistable pull .God doesn't draw us with us kicking and screaming ,but his drawing makes us willing to come then and there . As John 6: 29 says, our belief is a work that God does . We do not manufactur belief on our own nor can we , because our propencedy is to do evil constantly in opposition to God .

[@eddiesprain8243]

@@JesseMongia Romans constantly is contrasting works with faith. The reformed logic says that to believe is something good therefore man is incapable of believing before regeneration. This turns faith into a good work. The Bible says that no amount of good works can save you or negate the sinful things we’ve taken part in because of our inclination towards sin we are all born with. Therefore our only hope is to be justified by faith rather than works. Otherwise faith is a product of our salvation rather than the instrument we exercise to receive what God by his grace offers us. “You do always resist the Holy Ghost” - Acts. God allows men to resist Him and His will. It takes God drawing us as well as our willingness to surrender when he does. When Paul tells his testimony in Acts he said “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision”.

[@JesseMongia]

@@eddiesprain8243 Paul did not get saved after the vision .His saving came upon him as described in verses 13-18.Jesus spoke to him .Heard Jesus' voice .That was his saving moment . So in verse 19 ,when he says ," I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision , He is saying ,"Whereupon", or ' THAT IS WHY ' , he was not disobedient .It is because Paul was saved and that is why he was obedient . No where in scripture does it say we are able to resist God's choosing us .After all , many are called ,but few are chosen . He calls everybody (the world) but he elects not the the world , but just a remnant

[@JesseMongia]

When was Paul saved ?He was saved between verses14-18 . Immediately prior to that he was on his way to punish christians,verses 11:12 . You are right .He did say ,..."I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision",verse 18 . He had just gotten saved , verses14-18 .That's why he was not disobedient . Jesus just spoke to him . He heard Jesus' voice . He was drawn .Being drawn/chosen MAKES you willing . Many are called but few are chosen .God calls the whole world but he elects/ chooses a remnant.

[@wesleybouscher3158]

This was extremely helpful. Thanks!

[@cathyhamlin3611]

If Jesus hadn't reveal himself to me while I was in the midst of my sinful lifestyle, I don't think my life would have changed, his calling on me was irresistible, I knew I had to accept him, praise God I did

[@Bobepc]

Amen! God must set us free, and will set free whosoever will all upon Him! What a wonderful, loving God we serve who has made the way open and available! Choose this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

[@CleanWithConfidence]

amen

[@rhondae8222]

Thanks for sharing biblical truth. 🙂

[@Zaloomination]

No one has ever made a single decision apart from that which they most wanted to do at that particuar moment in time.

[@roxanapadillazavala9274]

Amén, amén..!! Tremendo predicador..!!

[@barend4803]

So well explained.

[@monicamabelgockah2629]

God please set me free from my sinfulness n help me bend to Your Will

[@andrewilsenach2600]

Excellent!

[@ararat4135]

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” ‭‭John‬ ‭8:36‬ ‭ESV‬‬

[@dailytheology1689]

RC was and is so helpful SDG

[@datchet11]

Amazing truths.

[@gracesue4401]

we are chosen by God before the foundation of the earth! God presents to us, each individual, His free Gift of Salvation through His Beloved Son, Jesus Death, His Finished Work at the Cross , Resurrection and Ascension! we are given the freewill to Choose our Response to this Love Gift of Salvation via the True Gospel of Jesus Christ...by faith! John 3:18 Whoever believes in Him (Jesus Christ , Son of God) is not condemned , but whoever does not believe stands condemn already because they have not believed in the Name of God's One and Only Son !

[@jeffouellette9946]

A denomination lover. All the faith and believing will never save a wicked person.

[@briankelley6785]

The Gospel: Christ died for our sins and rose again. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

[@johnbatten836]

I like John Mcarther I believe that he preaches the truth but I love RC Sproles he is truly blessed with a gift to be able to explain the truth of God in a way that makes perfect sense to me the world will miss him he was truly gifted

[@rocketsurgeon1746]

Ezekiel 33:11, Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Seems God has given ALL of us the ability to choose Him

[@VictorFelipe82]

Amen, brother.

[@gracewilliams338]

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD". You are welcome.

[@danielrocha8820]

Preciso. Ótima abordagem do assunto.

[@warrensmith3070]

Humans have freewill horizontally to choose only which sin they will commit next...but have inability on their own in the vertical spiritual plane...the Elect are pardoned by God...Dr Sproul is one of the modern Augustinian greats...

[@marialamb6781]

So well said. And the question to ask is not…. “If God is so loving and since he could, why doesn’t he save everybody? Instead, the question to ask is why does God save anybody? Why did he save me? Who am I? God is under no obligation to extend grace to anybody. He chooses.

[@touchofgrace3217]

One of the hallmarks of Calvin’s doctrines of disgrace is that he severely distorted the sovereignty of God while simultaneously denying the righteousness of a just God. The end result is the line of thinking that you are regurgitating.

[@joebrowser775]

@@touchofgrace3217 ”Doctrines of Disgrace”, I’m gonna borrow that 😂 it’s the best way to put it

[@elidiapearfindchannel2587]

Please pray for my family to get this important truth...

[@MrLenny449]

I love this teaching.

[@TragedysHalo]

Why isnt this sermon all over the news?

[@fredharvey2720]

How can we not choose God? We all have within us a desire for something greater in life, and clearly that something greater is beyond our experience and capability.

[@jeffouellette9946]

By ignoring the truth.

[@Brandplucked]

Amen! Excellent teaching.

[@andrewbrowne5557]

The volitional creature freely chooses according to his strongest inclination…the unregenerate’s strongest inclination is always ‘self’…the regenerate creature is now able to ‘freely choose’ to honor God, having a new inclination…but that regeneration was a gift from God…regeneration precedes faith.

[@blackgrizzly4987]

God brings people to a point where they are able to choose! Otherwise He would not call anyone to repentance, judge the world or be angry about people choosing sinful, foolish ways!

[@blackgrizzly4987]

@KTTGHMTJWYCBLAC Well, they can still - according to the Scriptures- RESIST the Spirit of Holiness. That's choice right there. Yes and now some say "Well that is because it's normal for unsaved sinners to do so." - which is a very weak argument, because a rebuke is only justified if a person has the ability to make a choice, otherwise rebuke would not be necessary, unjustified, unfair, thus this argument is ignoring that God is angry, sad and furious that people do NOT repent - the Bible is FULL of examples of God literally PLEADING with people to repent. Why would Christ cry over Jerusalem that kills her prophets and did not realize the time of her visitation and what would have brought her salvation? Implying that God is angry or sad about sinners who don't repent, while at the same time, they are only capable of repenting if God "forces" them irresistibly in the traditional Calvinistic way, sounds irreconcilable with both the Scriptures and common sense.

[@nikokapanen82]

The general call of God is calling all to repentance, yet this does not mean that all can do that. In Revelation, it is clearly said to let the wicked continue in his wickedness and let the righteous in his righteousness. God brings His elect to the point where they are able to choose -- > HIM.

[@rcunninghsm9686]

Ephesians 2:8 for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God! The antecedent of it is, what comes before grace, faith it is a gift, in God's grace..

[@silverbackhayabusa]

The intricacies of Latin and the lack of specificity in the words makes it impossible to tell what "it" (neuter word) refers to other than we know it doesn't refer to just faith (feminine word).

[@thresamatthews9096]

I'm so thankful these illuminating teachings were videoed and continue to clarify and admonish even though R. C. Sproul is gone.

[@leoyon4140]

R.C. is a gift from God....my mentor....my teacher in Christ...

[@osks]

There is no quarrel about the fact that we possess a WILL… The question however is whether man’s will is ‘free’ (in libertarian sense… in the sense that he is always able to choose differently) And if we always choose according to our strongest urges/desires (as RC correctly states here), then our will is not ‘free’ (once again, in the libertarian sense)… man’s will is therefore always determined ‘Free will’ (…) ignores the fact that we find ourselves in a causal universe wherein everything, without exception, always has an s priori cause - nothing, absolutely nothing happens spontaneously… nothing happens a se Everything has a cause, or to put it differently… there is always a ‘because’ behind everything we do, and whatever we do, we always do as the consequence/response to some priori cause We do possess a will, but out will is certainly not free! True freedom can only be found in Christ - even then, we are under the leading of the Spirit Spinoza put it best… “Men believe themselves to be free, simply because they are conscious of their actions, and unconscious of the causes whereby those actions are determined." -Baruch Spinoza

[@billmartinn9851]

Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve;" God's sovereign grace saves those who CHOOSE to accept it. John 1:12

[@iacoponefurio1915]

No egomaniac. Gods sovereign irresistible grace CAUSES people to accept him. It wouldn't be sovereign you brainless zombie liar duhhhhh How do you tie your shoes with an IQ that low fake liar

[@billmartinn9851]

@@iacoponefurio1915 Sounds like your heart is filled with malice? Are you one of the elect? Have you chose to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior?

[@eleazarfernandez9369]

@@iacoponefurio1915 it's sad what a terrible mentality Calvinism creates, it gives you a belief that you are smarter than others . And yet Calvinist claim that's it's the most humbling doctrine and least men centered.

[@nikokapanen82]

I'm not a calvinist but this was on point. Jesus said a bad tree cannot bear a good fruit, meaning a sinful being cannot do good works. Yet if the Son sets you free from your sinful nature, you will be free indeed.

[@docholliday7548]

I wasn't either for the first 30yrs of my walk with Christ, until I accepted what the Scripture was saying. Thank you, Lord, for your patience...and truth!

[@elizabethfreeman1373]

That's called regeneration

[@weirdouful]

What a wonderful man he was, dear RC!

[@PatrickFarrell_KJV]

We can certainly reject God. It’s also very dangerous to ascertain that we have no say in the relationship between God and man.

[@gunterpatee4963]

"If God thinks this state of war in the universe a price worth paying for free will...then we may take it it is worth paying." ~ C. S. Lewis One of my favorite quotes gleaned from a life time of collecting great quotes 😊

[@yeshuaisking1247]

the problem is that this quote from C.S. Isnt biblical, we never had free will, before the fall we did not know any evil, therefore our choice wasnt fully free, all we could choose stemed from our perfect inocence, and after the fall we still didnt have free will, because all of our free choices were always directly influenced by the falleness of our minds hearts flesh and sight ... so no sir, ther is no such thing as royal free will for creatures, only God has real royal absolute free will ....

[@ronl514]

@@yeshuaisking1247 and there will be no libertarian free will in heaven or the new earth, cuz we will not be free to sin, (we will not want to) but only free to serve God (Christ)!! This is true freedom, freedom to serve God, unencumbered by sin or sinful desires!!

[@vitaignis5594]

​@@yeshuaisking1247 fatalism/gnosticism? Maybe Mani was the true follower of the Apostolic Faith and the early Church Fathers were the heretics. Because in reformed theology, that's where you logically end up.

[@vitaignis5594]

​@@yeshuaisking1247how can there be vice or virtue if nobody has a choice? How can one frown upon evil if it happens of necessity?

[@gregclift626]

I've been reading and commenting on this thread and just want to remind y'all that the discussion has been going on since the 1st century. John had some thoughts and he just wants you to believe (the whole point of his gospel) and he even says it's "not of human decision". He explained soteriology as birth. How many of us chose to be born? Zero. The Truth exists whether you believe in in or not. You CAN reject. That's your only part in your own salvation. Go read about Pelagius, Jacobus Arminius, Calvin, and Luther. It's a fun topic to study. Learn the difference between Pelagianism, Semi-Pelagianism, and Calvinism. It's a good thing to study. (The Lutheran thing is what I stated above: all you can do is reject. That's the sinner's choice.) Study Romans too. Paul weighs in on this significantly. Just don't cherry-pick the verses you want, especially in Ch. 10. Take the whole thing into consideration. Paul even thought he could lose his salvation. (That's hinted at in 1 Cor. 9 when he talks about being 'disqualified'.) Ok, class, I'm rambling, so I'll leave you to your study... "continue to work out your own salvation".

[@jeffouellette9946]

God told me we could lose the Holy Spirit. It's about having the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

[@briannaprieto3043]

How can you lose the Holy Spirit? And if we do can we ever get it back?

[@LitoLochoss]

@@jeffouellette9946 aren’t you seald with the holy spirit until judgment day ?

[@silverbackhayabusa]

@@briannaprieto3043 I understand this is two years later but if you are still wondering, I recommend reading Romans 11 about the branches. Specifically branches being grafted into the tree (being saved) and branches being broken off of the tree (being condemned). More specifically, how some branches are part of the tree, broken from the tree, and later grafted back into the tree. The being re-grafted may only apply to the Jews but the chapter relates to your question to some extent.

[@milenebelfort6795]

I would love to watch the rest of this video. Can anyone give the link?

[@lovejoypeaceforever]

...EVEN MY THOUGHTS ARE PREDESTINATED, BECAUSE "MY MIND IS STAYED ON THEE" & "I HAVE CHOSEN THE WAY OF SALVATION" & "I WILL CALL UPON THE LORD AS LONG AS I LIVE" :D

[@josephdurraz8574]

@Nick Barker, You and John Stewart are both foolish.... He does not understand the Holy Bible and you do not believe in the Holy Bible....

[@lessingtom]

If we cannot make choices to either follow or reject God, why did He say, "And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. ( 1Kings 18:21)

[@havvaaria2858]

Tom Lessing the free will in our fallen state indeed the very one that prevent us to choose G-d, because we always choose what is convenient for us, what is good in our consideration, what is comfortable for us to have, which is mos if not all the time against G-d's will and purpose. Even when we think we choose G-d, we want to do things our way instead of following His way. And that is in my opinion that happened with the verse you quoted. They think they had chosen G-d, yet they also wanted to follow their own way with Baal. This is exactly the point of that verse, we will never be able to choose G-d, because we will only want what convenient for us from Him but also from other gods. We will just exploit that free will to a blasphemous point to G-d. Israelites thought that they had chosen G-d, from Exodus to the point where they had their own kingdoms. But they also wanted to follow other gods that were popular with the nations around them, that alone they had violated G-d's commandments. What Elijah did was telling them, they couldn't have it both...they couldn't have it their own way. That question is not about they were the ones who made the choice of which G-d to follow but it was a slap in the face to them about their disobedience and their continuous rebelious behaviour, they never chose G-d, even after all the things G-d had done for them, that question Elijah asked them was not about they chose G-d or not, it is about their rejection to His commandments and their unfaithfulness to Him. It was G-d that chose them and made covenant with them, but they just wanted the blessings but not the commandments, and they wanted to have it all their ways. That verse is not about we chosing G-d, that verse is about even after G-d had chosen us, we continuously reject to follow His commandments, we continuosly being ungrateful and unfaithful to Him, we continuously in rebellion against Him, yet we wanted all that blessings from Him and for other gods too. This verse actually is making the point of how we can't choose G-d on our own, G-d have to intervene. And also G-d warned Israelites that they couldn't make G-d as one of other available choices for them to pick, this is what we always do, we always have those alternatives of choice and we treat G-d in that manner also, and we are honest, in all the available alternatives of choice we always treat G-d as the last alternative to consider or not. That's us. That's our free will in our fallen state. But G-d so loved us, He indeed intervene and show us Who He really is, and He had chosen to have us back, and it is depend on us to respond to that or not. All we do is respond to that call to that choice G-d had made for us, or to totally reject that call.

[@gregclift626]

Those "people" are Israel; not quite the same as non-believers. I would argue that they were more like former Christians.

[@jeffouellette9946]

@@havvaaria2858 since you won't I will God.

[@myballsitchsomethingfierce6319]

Many are called but a few are chosen.

[@lessingtom]

@@myballsitchsomethingfierce6319 Are you one of the few who have been chosen unto salvation before the foundation of the world, and if so, how do you know you have been chosen?

[@shawnambrisco4598]

"For the time ‘W-I-L-L’ come When they will NOT 'Endure' SOUND Doctrine; But after 'Their Own Lusts' Shall they ‘H-E-A-P’ Unto themselves teachers having 'Itching Ears'; And they shall ‘Turn Away’ their ears ‘From’ The TRUTH, And Shall be turned unto ‘Fables’ (LIES)." ~ Apostle Paul ~ (2 Tim 4:3-4) ~~~ :o

[@amaldavid3886]

This definitely does make sense, yet however, can someone help me reconcile RC Sproul's theology with that which is written in Galatians 3:2?

[@kaysonrhodes5482]

Jesus is my dear Lord and Savior

[@S0NJAMIN]

I used to despise the idea of reformed theology. It did not sit well with me. Now, I can’t deny it! Now, it’s the only thing that makes sense.

[@iacoponefurio1915]

Haha. Happens often it offends our idea of human righteousness and the Mickey mouse God they peddle to kids

[@hollyhumbyrd3362]

@@iacoponefurio1915 Well said!

[@eleazarfernandez9369]

There's a lot more to it, reformed theology has many flaws. One big advantage is they're really good at creating false opponents and making people believe that's what the other side believes and people never take their time to test if this is true .most reformed people are convinced that arminians and Calvinist are opposites and think that's the only option available

[@S0NJAMIN]

I’m not an Arminian, I’m not a Calvinist either. I’m a Scripturalist, I’m a Christian. And although Calvinism itself obviously has its own flaws, since it is articulated by man, the truths and the principles at hand can be found all throughout Scripture and are simply undeniable.

[@eleazarfernandez9369]

@@S0NJAMIN I agree not everything that Calvinism/reformed theology teaches is wrong. But the main teachings that they hold to which are unique to them are very flawed and start with an assumption rather than scripture. For example they believe a person is unable to respond to the gospel and interpret scripture through that lense. They believe God chose who to save before the world began and interpret scripture through that lenses. There's no scripture that says that but if you start with that idea there's verses close enough for them to take out of context, but then verses that clearly teach the opposite have to be disproven afterwards using creative terms. Like general call ,effectual call, common Grace, world only means what they say when they say, all only means all depending on if it agrees or contradicts their interpretation etc .

[@Over-for-now]

If we use our free will it takes us away from God to religious cults

[@JewandGreek]

The problem with his reasoning is that fallen man is capable of doing good. He's just not capable of meeting God's standard of good that is required for eternal life. For example, Jesus told us that even evil men know how to give good gifts to their children. (Mat. 7:11) Also, In Acts 10 we read about a devout man named Cornelius whose prayers and alms to the poor got God's attention, and he was an unsaved Centurion. Evil men are capable of doing good and seeking the truth, and therefore capable of believing the gospel and receiving salvation with no further dispensation of God's grace other than what was given through the life and substitutionary work of Christ.

[@iamreldnahc]

Jew and Greek You make a very good point. In other lectures Sproul clarifies by calling “Total Depravity” “Radical Corruption” and says men are NOT necessarily as evil as they possibly could be.

[@mbalenhlendhlovu9890]

Can someone please give me a link for the full sermon

[@cmdesign01]

Yes ….yes….yes

[@johnduncan7484]

John 15:16 - You did not choose Me, but I chose you.

[@apilkey]

John 15:16 is spoken directly to the 12 disciples at the Last Supper and has absolutely nothing to do with anyone being chosen to salvation. This is in reference to choosing disciples to go preach the Gospel and to bear forth fruit. This has absolutely nothing to do with salvation. 🔴 QUESTION: “WHO” was chosen? ANSWER: The “DISCIPLES” were chosen. 🔴 QUESTION: “WHAT” were they chosen to? ANSWER: They were chosen to “GO AND BRING FORTH FRUIT.” According to John 15:16 the DISCIPLES were specifically chosen to go bear forth fruit: JOHN 15:16 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, THAT YE SHOULD GO AND BRING FORTH FRUIT, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. This passage is about the disciple being chosen for SERVICE not salvation.

[@sunnydays8270]

@@apilkey The truth of this verse as told by Jesus to the 12 was in case they had any pretense that might exist among them in terms of spiritual pride because of the privileges they enjoyed, Jesus made it clear that such privilege rested not in their own merit, but on His sovereign choice of them. God chose Israel but not for any merit of theirs; God elected angels to be forever holy; and He elected believers to salvation apart from any merit. So, one purpose of God's sovereign election is that the disciples who have been blessed with such revelation and understanding should produce spiritual fruit.

[@apilkey]

@@sunnydays8270 Yes God chose Israel as His Elect nation. Yes God chose His disciples for service. No Jesus did not unconditionally elect or chose or predestine any unbelievers to become believers before the foundation of the world. Pretty wild how you think just because God chose some things that wow that must also must also mean He unconditionally chooses people to salvation. Nowhere in scripture is that supported.

[@vitaignis5594]

​@@apilkeythey are all their own popes. Many are hardened in pride and ignorance and cannot be reasoned with. They mock the martyrs and praise the multi millionaire modernist preachers of today.

[@nikokapanen82]

@@apilkey If you are truly a child of God, you did not choose Him, He chose you.

[@NehemiahBallet]

If God doesn’t set you free then you have no hope what if God doesn’t want to set you free.

[@vitaignis5594]

Why would God want His image to waste away? Why would God do the destructive work of the devil? Your version of a deity is either neglectful of most humans or a dualistic monster. Neither is good and consistent with the teachings of the Church Fathers.

[@friendyadvice2238]

We are in a "free prison" where we are free to make sinful choices based on our personality and personal bias. Only God has the key of faith that lets us out of that prison.

[@silverbackhayabusa]

It's God's will that none should perish (remain in prison), so what would stop Him from releasing everyone? Would it be that He only releases those who make a free-will choice to believe.

[@johnvandommelen6998]

There are two sides to a coin....one side being the Savior dying for the sins of all mankind...the other side being our duty to accept His gift and obey or disobey and live only for ourselves. God is Sovereign, but never bossy. He doesn't force nor coerce us to obey...however, when we do accept His Savior and ask for forgiveness, it is then we realize it was His calling all along....these baby steps of faith in our fallen state all must take place.....without question we have a responsibility, but in the end we grasp it was His calling and saving all along.

[@johnvandommelen6998]

John 11 v 25...John 14 v 15-18...Matthew 7 v 7-8...Luke 12 v 8-9...John 5 v 28-30.

[@rangersNHL]

This is what is truly so difficult with this theology. I agree that only God can save. I agree that only God can set free. I agree that No man can be saved without the Fathers drawing, and conviction of the Holy Spirit. But no where in scripture does it say that man cannot respond to that call by God. Is our nature fallen, yea, even dead. But our conscience is very much alive and can know good from evil, right from wrong, life or death. And when a person is presented with the truth of who Christ is, they are able to see themselves as sinners in need of a savior, without having to be regenerated in order to believe. Regeneration is NEW life. No where in scripture are we given new life, so that we can believe, in order to have new life. The story of Lazarus is not a good example of this. We see that the prodigal son was dead to the father, yet returned. In Romans 6 we are told we are dead to sin, but it can still have power over us. The church in Sardis is said to have been dead in revelation 3, and Christ told them to strengthen those things that remain. Not trying to persuade or argue, just giving thoughts and opinions. Thanks for posting the videos!

[@rangersNHL]

Messenger Charles where does scripture say they can only reject it? The issue is the ability to respond. And please don’t say we can respond negatively and not positively. We can respond. If we could not then The God of the Bible is a liar. He is the one telling us to choose life. He is the one telling us to receive His Son. If we cannot respond then He is dishonest. There are no scriptures that teach that man must be made alive in order to believe.

[@rangersNHL]

Messenger Charles awesome passage...but read it very carefully. God is closing their eyes, and their ears so they cannot hear. The reason God is shutting their eyes is so they can’t see. That implies that they could see. The passage quoted from Isaiah is in reference to the judgment of God. The people, back in Isaiah 1, rejected the message of God. God is turning them over to themselves. But noticed, some do believe--God did not shut their eyes to His truth. Again, this implies they can see. No where does it say God caused them to believe. It doesn’t say that God brought them to life so they could believe. They believed because they were not being judged by God. Jesus Christ is telling His disciples that He is doing that again--blinding them so they cannot see. This is a part of Gods judgment on them for rejecting their Messiah. If they can reject, then they can receive.

[@rangersNHL]

Messenger Charles but why was it not given to them?

[@rangersNHL]

Messenger Charles that really is not relevant to this issue. We need to stick with the issue. Thanks but I think we will have to agree to disagree and keep telling people about Jesus.

[@MariusVanWoerden]

Never lost is never saved. No-one comes to Christ without first the conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. It is a doctrine more and more hated by many today.

[@reynaldodavid2913Jo]

I agree with R C Sproul that we are inclined to sin because of the consequence of the Fall , But he is wrong to say that we cannot choose God... Of course we can choose God and it is proven by many scriptures.. But the problem is we cannot follow the will of God because we are incline to sin... Listen to what Paul said in Romans 7:15-17 (NKJV) 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

[@andrewlawrencei3239]

We cannot choose God because God said no one can come to me except God draw us .He have to draw us to Him , He have to make us born again

[@VictorFelipe82]

We choose or reject God once He has drawn every individual to His Son.

[@vitaignis5594]

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. - John 6:44 The Manichaeans spring upon these words, saying, that nothing lies in our own power; yet the expression shows that we are masters of our will. For if a man comes to Him, says some one, what need is there of drawing? But the words do not take away our free will, but show that we greatly need assistance. And He implies not an unwilling comer, but one enjoying much succor. - Saint John Chrysostom

[@vitaignis5594]

When your theology has more in common with the Manichaeans than the early Church Fathers, you're doing it WRONG 💀

[@kylebarney3126]

Romans 1 says the enslavement to sin occurs specifically after people worship idols. Only then does God give them over to a debased mind. If we were born dead in sin, being born again would be nonsensical. You won’t need to be born again if you’re already dead.

[@ricoroque281]

Sir, Why do we choose what we want? Could I choose what I do not want? Perhaps choosing what I do not want will give me what I want or do not want. The point is this. Are we forced? That is a simple question. Are we "just that way"?

[@perilsofpride]

Where is this full video?

[@barrygaynor1025]

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life." --Bible

[@HammeringTruth]

Is he saying Augustinian theology is the same as Reformed theology?

[@jayahladas692]

"IF, choose, believe, receive, whosoever, repent,faith, truth,". Decide! Accept or refuse! Do you just throw out all those verses? Is God lying? Is choice is just an illusion? You can ignore and still be one of the chosen? They are present tense choices, most are not related to "elect" or "predestined" which Calvinists twist. 2Cor6:2. "NOW is the day of salvation

[@edwinedrosolan1536]

If I am slaved to sin that's mean I don't have free will but the will of evil. If I have a free will I don't choose but I get what I want. If I have free will I don't need heaven or hell.

[@apilkey]

Even a slave has the ability to admit he’s a slave to the only One who can set him free.

[@bobradford2637]

God never left it to man to decide his destiny, He does not leave this decision too chance. If so no man would ever come to God. God gave the ultimate sacrifice so man could become free he would never allow that to be violated by mankind. . Jesus said 'No one comes to me unless the Father draws Him' John 6:44 No one can ever say they are saved by their own act of will. Anyone who thinks so questions the Sovereignty of God.

[@silverbackhayabusa]

That's an odd bit of reasoning there given that God's will is that none should perish but He somehow abandons His own will to save only a subset of people. It's also odd that God would call all people and then for some reason, and again abandoning His will that none should perish, only save a portion of those He has called. Let me offer this to you, the only thing that saves a man is God's grace which He offers as a gift to all mankind as He wishes that none should perish. God leaves it to men to either accept His gift by believing (faith) as He commands us to do or to reject the gift by choosing not to believe. It is not our faith that saves us. It is our faith that allows us to receive the grace that God alone can provide that saves us. If that alternative to the illogical propositions of Calvinism is true, then perhaps a timeless God using foreknowledge of how each of us responds to the call to base His choice of who is to be predestined before the founding of the universe. In the case of Calvinism, you have God making seemingly arbitrary choices of whom to save despite His will that all be saved and in the other case you have God making reasonable choices of whom to save that is consistent to His will and without removing the decision of salvation from God. Again, salvation is by God through grace as a gift. We simply choose whether to accept the gift.

[@deadtoselfShema]

Great info, but nothing connected to the Title or any scripture stated. Don't get me wrong, what he said is scriptural and those who know the scriptures that fit in what he is saying; BUT it doesn't help those who don't know the scriptures. This is why short cuts (cut to early) from a longer teaching where the scriptures are covered on what he is teaching.

[@neomagnon]

Yes, we misused our free will that's why we are away from God enjoying our material senses. He put us in the illusion that we are our body and our enjoyment is gratifying our senses. But, we are not our body but spiritual in essence, in the likeness of God being the Supreme Spirit. Our free will is not absolute but it has consequences, like cause and effect. Our free will in meant to love God, following Jesus' first and foremost and greatest commandment. He is instructing us to actively put our free will in loving God rather than loving the world. And, that is consciously choosing God instead of choosing the world. Is Jesus telling us to do something that is not attainable using our free will? Of course, it is in God's mercy whether He will allow us to love Him or not, but our duty is to use our free will in the right way. That is what real faith in Jesus and God is.

[@neomagnon]

@KTTGHMTJWYCBLAC"Now I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable." 1 Corinthians 15:50 "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." Galatians 5: 16-17. "We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8 "That which pervades the entire body you should know to be indestructible. No one is able to destroy that imperishable soul." Bhagavad Gita 2.17 Free will is given by God for us as individuals to choose between good and bad. We use it to follow or disregard Jesus' essential teaching, "Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”…Mark 12:30 Salvation is attained if we are successful in our loving God. We should align our free will in the following of God's will - to love and serve Him. This is what free will is all about, the ability to choose to love God or not. This is the law of God which free will is an essential component. God will not force us, or magically made us to love Him. He will not be happy with that. Love is most enjoyable if it is given out of free will and out of love. How many religions are teaching love for God? Most are teaching the selfish doctrine of salvation which Jesus himself didn't teach, nor he is interested even in his own salvation.

[@wtom04]

Why we CAN CHOOSE God: Joshua 24:15 - And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, CHOOSE you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:22 - Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have CHOSEN to serve the Lord.” “Yes, we are witnesses,” they replied. The word "chosen" in Joshua 24:22 indicates that man has free will and indicates the action taken by the people as a result of the exhortation given in Joshua 24:15. Deuteronomy 30:19 - 19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore CHOOSE life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Again, the word "choose" indicates that God has given us FREE WILL. Judges 10:14 - 14 Go and cry unto the gods WHICH YE HAVE CHOSEN; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.

[@rayjacobs1146]

It's called context. Please learn how to use it when reading/studying the scriptures! Perhaps the New Testament will help.

[@Zaloomination]

You should watch the video again. Sproul has repeatedly said that we make choices. The Bible has tons of examples of people following God. What it doesn't always reveal is the regeneration of their hearts that the Holy Spirit orchestrates behind the scenes. What you present are not arguments against reformed theology.

[@Fred_the_Head]

To say that a loving and caring G-d could not save everyone means that G-d is weak and ineffectual in working out His will. So, why can’t G-d save everyone? Because not everyone responds to His call. Because people reject G-d and choose their sin. Salvation is a gift. Anyone can reject the gift.

[@alyssiavaughn3884]

And people get mad when people say this

[@ServusChristiPaulus]

"In Christ name I have wept over you as the Saviour did, and used his words on his behalf," O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together as hen gathereth her chickens under her Wings, and ye would not.... "Oh!God does plead with... everyone of you" Repent, and be converted for the remission of your sins... " " No", says one strong-doctrine man"God never invites all men to himself.... "Stop sir....Did you ever read..." My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready;come unto the marriage.And they that were bidden would not come....."Now if the invitation is...made (only) to the man who will accept it, how can the parable be true? The fact is...the invitation is free...." Whosoever will, let him come..." Now... some of you (may) say that I was.... Arminian at the end. I care not. I beg you to... turn unto the Lord with all your hearts. - C.H.Spurgeon

[@haroldbubuli8718]

If a person cannot desire God unless God the Holy Spirit regenerate that person then gives gift to that person to have Faith in God. How is that the people in Mat. 7:21-23 even believe in themselves that they have faith in God when God the Holy Spirit did not make them a new creation through regeneration? Why is it there are people who have fallen on a bad soil as mentioned in Mat. 13:1-33 and a foolish man in Mat 7:26. How is it that they're trying to believe in God when they're not even born again?

[@Over-for-now]

I love the teaching but l don't get why we need calvin or any mention of him