Whosoever Will

“Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.” (James 1:18)

Two very true and very Biblical doctrines are the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. In my studies in the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians a writer sees both doctrines coming together when a lost sinner approaches the door to salvation over which is written the words, “…whosoever will may come.” He hesitates, wrestles with his decision and finally comes through the door, repenting of his sins, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. His burden is lifted. He is saved. Then he looks back over the door and from this side he sees over the door the words, “…Chosen in Him before the Foundation of the World.”

God initiates the New Birth experience through His word, as Peter tells us in his first epistle, we are “…born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” (I Peter 1:23) He uses the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, the testimonies of other believers and the message of evangelistic preaching. But He does not force salvation on anyone. It still remains, “Whosever Will.”

Remember that James is writing to persecuted, scattered believers, people who were saved as a result of God taking the initiative to begin the process of their salvation.