In The Will of Man, Michael E.B. Maher explores the nature and function of human free will in relation to God’s sovereignty. He distinguishes between God’s perfect will (His ideal desire) and His permissible will (what He allows when humans choose otherwise). God predestines individuals based on His foreknowledge of how they will exercise their free will—not by creating robots, but by working all things according to His counsel.

Man’s will is the “decider,” influenced by the spirit, mind, conscience, and body. The mind acts as the gateway, making its renewal essential for righteous living. Believers are called to seek and walk in God’s perfect will through prayer and obedience to the Holy Spirit. God influences human decisions primarily through the believer’s spirit and conscience, never overriding free will.

Satan, as the god of this world, influences unbelievers through thoughts and temptations, seeking to enslave them. Believers, though delivered from Satan’s dominion, can still give him place through sin, becoming captive to his will. Repentance restores freedom. Maher concludes that while God is sovereign, He honours human choice, inviting believers to reason with Him and actively participate in fulfilling His purposes.

 

Book 5 of 5: Man, the Image of God