Kristen

Mark said:

“So the definition that Arminians often give for free-will is a nonsense statement. Our will is never free in that sense. We always choose what we desire. So this is the important part, since the Bible declares that out nature is sinful. That is, our desires are sinful. Unlike Adam and Eve, we are born with a desire that is sinful, so therefore we will choose or will from our inmost desire- sin.

That is why the Bible speaks about needing a new heart. God gives us a new heart, so that our desire might change from sin to him. So the questions arises does God give this new heart to all people. The Arminian says yes, the Calvinist no. So therefore the Arminian needs to show from scripture, where it is that God gives this new ‘will’ to all people. Some say at birth, some say later on. ”

Arminians don’t believe this. Where are you getting your information?
Arminians don’t believe that God gives a new heart to all people. Arminians (in general) believe that when God “draws” someone, God enables that person to make a true choice. The sinner’s desire is bent towards sin; God provides just enough power to pull, but not to coerce, the sinner temporarily away from that bent. Suspended during the drawing process between the sinner’s desires and God’s, the sinner is in a state where he/she CAN choose.

Once the choice is made for God, the person’s nature is changed by regeneration of the Holy Spirit. But STILL there is no coercion– God’s power sets us free; it does not enslave us to doing God’s desire. Otherwise how could the regenerate person still be tempted? James 1:13-21 says that we are tempted when our evil desires drag and entice us. James is addressing “dear brothers” when he says this. Then he says the “dear brothers” should get rid of “the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted” in them. The believer, though he/she now has a bent towards God’s will, must CHOOSE to walk in it. Galatians 5 says that “it is for freedom that Christ made us free.” We are not robots. We were enslaved to sin without hope; but God’s work in our lives frees our will. Romans 6:11 says we must count OURSELVES slaves to righteousness; God does not enslave our wills to Him as they once were enslaved to sin. We can still have confidence that He who began the good work will complete it, but God has made us sons, not slaves.