Free Will or Election and The Role of the Holy Spirit in Salvation: A Biblical Perspective
By Pastor Chris Cahill · 3 minute read · First published 2024-04-25
Free will and election are not small subjects just because we have learned the slogans. Follow this reading of salvation and the Spirit while recognizing the larger Christian debate.
Who brings us to faith?
Christians can turn election and free will into a tug-of-war, with a verse tied to each end of the rope. But the question underneath matters: how does anyone come to trust Christ? This reflection keeps the Holy Spirit’s work at the center while taking both God’s initiative and our response seriously.
Firstly, let’s understand the concept of election. The Bible teaches that God chooses individuals for salvation according to HIS SOVEREIGN WILL. Ephesians 1:4-5 states, "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he PREDESTNED us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will" (ESV). This passage underscores the idea that salvation originates from God's divine election.
On the other hand, the Bible also affirms human responsibility and the freedom to respond to the Gospel message. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (ESV). This verse highlights the invitation extended to all individuals to believe in Jesus Christ and receive salvation.
Read the passages before choosing a team
The reconciliation of these seemingly contradictory concepts lies in the pivotal role of the Holy Spirit. Get this. Jesus Himself emphasized the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the process of salvation. In John 6:44, He states, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day" (ESV). Here, Jesus affirms that it is the Father who draws individuals to Himself, a work accomplished through the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, the Apostle Paul elucidates the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in bringing about faith in Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:3, he writes, "Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says 'Jesus is accursed!' and NO ONE CAN SAY ‘JESUS IS LORD’ EXCEPT IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (ESV). This verse underscores the inability of individuals to confess Jesus as Lord apart from the work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts.
The position argued here is that our response to the Gospel depends on the Spirit’s initiative and enabling. Christians explain that relationship differently. Let us examine those differences carefully rather than treating our preferred label as the explanation itself.
Grace should make us humble
Whether we lean toward election or free will, salvation is no trophy for our cleverness. We depend on God’s gracious work. Proclaim the Gospel, pray, listen, and trust the Spirit rather than trying to argue someone into a confession. Grace is amazing partly because none of us gets to take the credit.
Faith, hope, and love in action through Christ and kindness. Find a local ministry, raise a hand, and put what you believe into practice.
Faith, hope, and love in action through Christ and kindness.
