Understanding Free Will

Many believe that we are totally free to choose salvation. In this course, Dr. Sproul explains the often confused and misused concept of free will.

  • Join the Worldwide Class

    Take this course with a class of Ligonier Connect students from around the world. Registration includes:

    • 24/7 access for 6 months to complete the course at your own pace
    • Video lectures from Dr. R.C. Sproul along with the full, downloadable study guide
    • Discuss questions and share notes with up to 30 other Ligonier Connect students in your class
    • Approved by the Association of Christian Schools International for one continuing education unit
  • Create your own group class

    Take this course with your own private group of friends, family, or colleagues (a minimum of 5 students is required). You’ll receive:

    • 24/7 access for 6 months for you and your group of 4 or more
    • Ability to monitor your group's progress and moderate discussion
    • Includes video lectures from Dr. R.C. Sproul along with the full, downloadable study guide
    • Approved by the Association of Christian Schools International for one continuing education unit

About this course

Many believe that we are totally free to choose salvation. In Willing to Believe, R.C. shows that man’s will is not free but in bondage to sin. He says that we are doomed unless God has mercy and changes our hearts. R.C. examines the issue of free will throughout history, looking at the views of Augustine, Pelagius, Luther, Calvin, Arminius, Edwards, Finney, and others. R.C. demonstrates that some assumptions about “free will” undermine the Gospel and conceal God’s glory in salvation.

Course Path Preview

  • Getting Started

    • Welcome to Understanding Free Will

      • to-do Review course material
      • to-do Update your student profile
      • to-do Introduce yourself
  • The Truth Shall Make You Free

    • Lesson 1: The Truth Shall Make You Free

      • watch The Truth Shall Make You Free
      • read Chapter 1 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 1 Self-Assessment
  • Free Will and Divine Sovereignty

    • Lesson 2: Free Will and Divine Sovereignty

      • watch Free Will and Divine Sovereignty
      • read Chapter 2 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 2 Self-Assessment
  • Are We Born Free?

    • Lesson 3: Are We Born Free?

      • watch Are We Born Free?
      • read Chapter 3 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 3 Self-Assessment
  • The Loss of Liberty

    • Lesson 4: The Loss of Liberty

      • watch The Loss of Liberty
      • read Chapter 4 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 4 Self-Assessment
  • Sovereign Grace

    • Lesson 5: Sovereign Grace

      • watch Sovereign Grace
      • read Chapter 5 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 5 Self-Assessment
  • Is Grace Irresistible?

    • Lesson 6: Is Grace Irresistible?

      • watch Is Grace Irresistible?
      • read Chapter 6 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 6 Self-Assessment
  • A Divided Will?

    • Lesson 7: A Divided Will?

      • watch A Divided Will?
      • read Chapter 7 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 7 Self-Assessment
  • Bondage of the Will

    • Lesson 8: Bondage of the Will

      • watch Bondage of the Will
      • read Chapter 8 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 8 Self-Assessment
  • Voluntary Slaves

    • Lesson 9: Voluntary Slaves

      • watch Voluntary Slaves
      • read Chapter 9 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 9 Self-Assessment
  • Is Grace Cooperative?

    • Lesson 10: Is Grace Cooperative?

      • watch Is Grace Cooperative?
      • read Chapter 10 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 10 Self-Assessment
  • Born to Sin?

    • Lesson 11: Born to Sin?

      • watch Born to Sin?
      • read Chapter 11 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 11 Self-Assessment
  • The Pelagian Captivity of the Church

    • Lesson 12: The Pelagian Captivity of the Church

      • watch The Pelagian Captivity of the Church
      • read Chapter 12 from “Willing to Believe”
      • to-do Thinking in depth
      • Take Lesson 12 Self-Assessment