Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Voluntary Slaves
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Series: Willing to Believe – R.C. Sproul's Series on Free Will

Introduction to the Debate on Free Will

R.C. Sproul opens the episode by addressing a fundamental question: "What did Jesus mean when he said, 'No man can come to me unless the Father draws him'?" (00:00) This statement sets the stage for a deep dive into the age-old theological debate surrounding free will versus divine predestination.

Historical Context: Luther and Calvin’s Perspectives

Sam Storms delves into the historical and theological contributions of John Calvin and Martin Luther to the discourse on human freedom and original sin. He emphasizes that both theologians were profoundly influenced by St. Augustine, often citing him more than any other theologian (01:01). Storms points out that Calvin's views on election and predestination are not entirely original but echo Luther’s thoughts. Despite the Lutheran Church's later divergence from Calvinism, particularly through Philip Melanchthon's modifications, Sproul highlights that Calvin remains closely associated with the denial of free will due to the prominence of his teachings within the acronym TULIP.

Total Depravity in Calvinism

Sam Storms explains the Calvinist doctrine of Total Depravity, clarifying that it does not imply absolute wickedness but rather that the fall has permeated the entire human being (03:15). According to Calvin, while humans retain the capacity for civic virtue—such as industriousness or honesty—in spiritual matters, the will remains corrupted and unable to seek God independently. Storms cites Calvin's assertion:

“Total depravity... affects our minds, hearts, bodies, and will, leaving us in a state of moral inability.” (05:45)

Doctrine of Election: Unconditional vs. Conditional

The discussion transitions to Calvin’s doctrine of unconditional election, where Sam Storms contrasts it with the conditional election proposed by others who believe God elects based on foreseen faith (09:30). Calvin argues that election is not based on any merit or decision within individuals but solely on God's sovereign will. This is supported by biblical texts, such as John 6:44, where Jesus states, "No one can come to me unless the Father draws him." Calvin interprets “draws” as an internal transformation initiated by God, not merely an external invitation (16:10).

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Drawing

Sam Storms further explores Calvin’s view that the Holy Spirit actively works to regenerate a person’s heart, making them willing to accept Christ. This regeneration is necessary because, in their fallen state, individuals cannot turn to God on their own. He underscores Calvin’s stance:

“God approaches by His Spirit, making men willing who were previously unwilling.” (19:55)
This contrasts with Arminius’s perspective, which views divine grace as something that can be resisted by human free will. Storms foreshadows future discussions on whether grace is resistible, highlighting the ongoing controversy within the church.

Calvin vs. Arminius: The Crux of the Controversy

R.C. Sproul ties together the theological debate by emphasizing the distinction between having a free will and having lost liberty due to sin (23:27). Calvin asserts that while humans have the faculty to choose, their ability to choose rightly towards God is impaired without divine intervention. This leads to the critical question: Is grace cooperative? Arminius’s stance that human participation is necessary in accepting grace sets up the central conflict explored in this and future episodes.

Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

The episode concludes with R.C. Sproul celebrating the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s The Bondage of the Will and promoting related resources. He teases the next episode, which will further examine whether grace is cooperative, referencing Arminius’s views (26:04).

Notable Quotes

• R.C. Sproul (00:00): "What did Jesus mean when he said, 'No man can come to me unless the Father draws him'?"
• Sam Storms (05:45): “Total depravity... affects our minds, hearts, bodies, and will, leaving us in a state of moral inability.”
• Sam Storms (19:55): “God approaches by His Spirit, making men willing who were previously unwilling.”

Key Takeaways

• Total Depravity: Calvinism teaches that the fallen state of humanity affects all aspects of existence, rendering humans morally unable to seek God without divine intervention.
• Unconditional Election: Calvin asserts that God elects individuals to salvation based solely on His will, not on any foreseen faith or actions.
• Role of the Holy Spirit: Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for a person to willingly come to Christ, as humans cannot initiate this movement on their own.
• Calvin vs. Arminius: The debate centers on whether divine grace can be resisted by human free will, with Calvin asserting it cannot, and Arminius advocating that it can.

Upcoming Topics

The next episode will delve deeper into whether grace is cooperative, examining Arminius’s views and the broader implications for the doctrine of free will.

Resources and Further Reading:
To celebrate the 500th anniversary of The Bondage of the Will, Ligonier Ministries has published an anniversary edition featuring an introductory article by R.C. Sproul, along with a study guide for the Willing to Believe series. Donations and more information can be found at renewingyourmind.org.

This summary is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the "Voluntary Slaves" episode for those who have not listened to the full podcast.