Grace and the Healing of the Will — Romans 8:5-8

Paul states the plight of fallen humanity bluntly in Rom 8:5-8: the mind set on the flesh "is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot." Apart from grace the will cannot turn to God.

This was the common confession of the ancient church against Pelagius: Augustine — On Nature and Grace, and Council of Orange — Canons on Grace. The Reformation pressed the point further — Martin Luther — The Bondage of the Will — while Council of Trent — Decree on Justification. Jonathan Edwards — Freedom of the Will.

The inability of 8:7 explains why salvation must begin in the new birth of John 3:5-8 and why Paul grounds hope in the unbreakable purpose of Rom 8:29-30. Grace precedes and enables faith.