Can a fallen, sinful man in the flesh have the ability to choose and believe God?
1. No, on His Own, a Fallen Sinful Man Will Not Choose God
On his own, a fallen man will not choose God because unbelievers are spiritually blind (2 Corinthians 4:4) and no one seeks God by nature (Romans 3:11). Our sinful nature is hostile to God (Romans 8:7), and apart from grace, man will choose sinful pleasure rather than seek holiness.
This is why Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44). Though the natural man has a will, he cannot understand the Gospel; it is foolishness to him (1 Corinthians 2:14). Therefore, God must act first, for it is “God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO REJECT JESUS?
2. Man Is Responsible to Respond, But That Too Can Be Corrupted Without Grace
The Gospel calls all to hear and believe (Romans 10:17; John 1:12), and Jesus condemns those who refuse to come to Him (John 5:40), implying we have the ability to respond. Yet although we can, our motives are dictated by a sinful, fallen nature. Therefore, the problem is not the lack of a positive response but the corruption of the will.
We may even profess belief in Jesus, yet our hearts and actions remain unchanged, neglecting the call to work out our salvation through daily sanctification (Philippians 2:12). This exposes a response driven by self-interest rather than true worship (Romans 12:1). It also reflects “cheap grace”—grace claimed without repentance, transformation, or obedience (James 2:17; Titus 1:16).
3. Faith Comes from Christ, But Satan Blinds Unbelievers
Here is a tightened version with clearer biblical flow and connected logic:
The Bible reveals a clear tension: Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4), and because the sinful mind is hostile to God (Romans 8:7), people love darkness and refuse to come to the light (John 3:19–20). As a result, the Gospel is foolishness to the natural man, who cannot understand the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Therefore, God must act first by working in the will and regenerating the heart (Philippians 2:13; Ezekiel 36:26–27), enabling sinners to understand the Gospel and believe in who Jesus is and what he has done.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Outline on Gospel apologetics.
Calvinism is both strong and weak.
