by Walter J. Chantry
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
"Man's Will: Free Yet Bound" by Walter J. Chantry offers a profound exploration into the nature of human will, blending theological depth with accessible insights. This work is a must-read for anyone grappling with the questions of free will, divine sovereignty, and human responsibility within the Christian faith.
Chantry begins by tracing the historical debate surrounding free will, highlighting discussions from Augustine and Pelagius to the modern disagreements between Reformed and Fundamentalist thinkers. This historical context sets the stage for a deeper understanding of how interpretations of human will have evolved and why they matter today.
Central to the book is Chantry's examination of the will as a component of human nature, influenced by the heart and bound by sin. Using clear and compelling arguments, he dismantles the notion of the will as an autonomous force, instead presenting it as contingent upon one's moral and spiritual state. He argues that while man possesses will, it is neither sovereign nor free in the absolute sense but is significantly constrained by the sinful nature inherited from Adam.
Chantry carefully addresses common misconceptions about the will's freedom, particularly the idea that it can operate independently of God's sovereign grace or the deep-seated corruption of sin. He clarifies that true freedom is not the liberty to do anything one pleases but rather the restored ability to live in accordance with God's will, achieved only through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
"Man's Will: Free Yet Bound" not only challenges the reader to rethink freedom but also offers comfort in the doctrine of divine sovereignty. It reassures believers that their salvation and sanctification are ultimately not reliant on the fickleness of human choice but secured by the gracious, unchanging purposes of God.
This book is a valuable resource for pastors, theologians, and laypersons alike, providing clarity and biblical perspective on one of Christianity’s most debated topics. It invites readers into a transformative understanding of their will, bound by sin yet liberated by Christ, to walk in the freedom of life under God's grace.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
I. Man Has a Will
II. Man's Will is not a Sovereign Faculty.
III. Man's Will is in Bondage to Sin.
IV. Man's Will is not his Hope.
Afterword: The Myth of Free Will