Fallen Man Cannot Convert Himself (Chapter 9, Paragraph 3)

“Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation…”

This is a bold, unqualified statement. Fallen man cannot will to do spiritual good. He may appear moral, but his heart is alienated from God. Even his righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isa. 64:6).

“…so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin…”

Ephesians 2:1 calls man “dead in trespasses and sins.” Dead means dead—not weak, not drowning, but lifeless. He cannot revive himself. Romans 8:7 further states that the natural mind is hostile to God and cannot submit to His law.

“…is not able by his own strength to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.”

This statement refutes every form of synergism—the idea that man and God cooperate to bring about salvation. The sinner cannot even prepare himself to receive grace. He does not move toward God; God moves toward him.

This paragraph teaches what is often called total inability. The will is bound by sin, not by force, but by desire. Man does not want God, and thus will never choose Him unless God first changes the heart (John 6:44, 65).

Application for the Believer:

This truth is humbling and worship-inducing. If you are in Christ, it is because God made you alive. You were not smarter, more spiritual, or more willing—you were dead, and He raised you. Let this truth anchor your assurance: your salvation rests not on your will, but God’s mercy (Rom. 9:16). And let it fuel your prayer and witness. Don’t water down the gospel to make it palatable to dead men. Preach it boldly, and pray fervently that God would open hearts. Salvation is of the Lord—from beginning to end. Give Him all the glory, for He alone deserves it.