...if we believe it to be true, that God
fore-knows and fore-ordains all things; that He can be neither deceived nor hindered in
His Prescience and Predestination; and that nothing can take place but according to His
Will, (which reason herself is compelled to confess;) then, even according to the
testimony of reason herself, there can be no "Free-will"—in man,—in
angel,—or in any creature!
Hence, if we believe that Satan is the prince of this world, ever ensnaring and
fighting against the kingdom of Christ with all his powers; and that he does not let go
his captives without being forced by the Divine Power of the Spirit; it is manifest, that
there can be no such thing as—"Free-will!"
Again, if we believe that original sin has so destroyed us, that even in the godly
who are led by the Spirit, it causes the utmost molestation by striving against that which
is good; it is manifest, that there can be nothing left in a man devoid of the Spirit,
which can turn itself towards good, but which must turn towards evil!
Again, if the Jews, who followed after righteousness with all their powers, ran
rather into unrighteousness, while the Gentiles who followed after unrighteousness
attained unto a free righteousness which they never hoped for; it is equally manifest,
from their very works, and from experience, that man, without grace, can do nothing but
will evil!
Finally if we believe that Christ redeemed men by His blood, we are compelled to
confess, that the whole man was lost: otherwise, we shall make Christ superfluous, or a
Redeemer of the grossest part of man only—which is blasphemy and sacrilege!
- Martin Luther (The Bondage of the Will, Section 167)
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