It is ironic that in the same chapter, indeed in the same context, in which our Lord teaches the utter necessity of rebirth to even see the kingdom, let alone choose it, non-Reformed views find one of their main proof texts to argue that fallen man retains a small island of ability to choose Christ. It is John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
"I frankly confess that, for myself, even if it could be, I should not want "free-will" to be given me, nor anything to be left in my own hands to enable me to endeavour after salvation; not merely because in face of so many dangers, and adversities and assaults of devils, I could not stand my ground ; but because even were there no dangers.
The Lord has indeed "commanded us to keep His precepts." But, alas! where is our power?
It is not enough simply to have choice of will, which is freely turned in this direction and that, and belongs among those natural gifts which a bad person may use badly. We must also have a good will, which belongs among those gifts which it is impossible to use badly.
"Some might interpret ˜It is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God Who shows mercy" (Rom.9:16), in this sense, that salvation comes from both, that is, both from the human will and from the mercy of God. In that case, we must understand the saying, "It is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God Who shows mercy," as if it meant that the human will alone is not sufficient, unless the mercy of God goes with it. But then it would follow that the mercy of God alone is not sufficient, unless the human will goes with it!
Excerpt from Dr. James White's book "The Potter's Freedom" (pages 211-214):
"Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights" (Jas. 1:17).
And again, "No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven" (John 3:27).
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ." (Eph 1:3)
by Roger Smalling
The following numbered items are common assumptions made by synergists in rejecting the bondage of the will and God's sovereign grace in salvation.
Fallacy #1. God would not command us to do what we cannot do.
God gave the Law to Moses, The Ten Commandments, to reveal what man cannot do, not what he can do.
