QuoteProject
Man is nothing: he hath a free will to go to hell, but none to go to heaven, till God worketh in him to will and to do his good pleasure.
George Whitefield
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that while humans have the freedom to make choices, they cannot achieve salvation without divine intervention.

This quote by George Whitefield highlights the concept of free will in relation to divine grace. It underscores the belief that while individuals can choose their actions, particularly to lead a sinful life (going to hell), the ability to choose righteousness or attain salvation (going to heaven) is contingent upon God's influence and grace. Thus, it reflects on the limitations of human agency in spiritual matters, suggesting that genuine goodness and desire for a divine life come not from human effort alone, but through the workings of God in a person's heart.

Themes

Free WillDivine InterventionSalvationGraceHuman Agency

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a sermon about the necessity of God's grace in our lives.

More from George Whitefield

And now let me address all of you, high and low, rich and poor, one with another, to accept of mercy and grace while it is offered to you; Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation; and will you not accept it, now it is offered unto you?
George WhitefieldRead
God is well pleased when all our actions proceed from love, love to Himself, and love to immortal souls.
George WhitefieldRead
If your souls were not immortal, and you in danger of losing them, I would not thus speak unto you; but the love of your souls constrains me to speak: methinks this would constrain me to speak unto you forever.
George WhitefieldRead
Whoever reads the gospel with a single eye, and sincere intentions, will find, that our blessed Lord took all opportunities of reminding his disciples that His Kingdom was not of this world; that His doctrine was a doctrine of the Cross; and that their professing themselves to be His followers, would call them to a constant state of voluntary suffering and self-denial.
George WhitefieldRead
The Christian world is in a deep sleep; nothing but a loud shout can awaken them out of it!
George WhitefieldRead
What could the Lord Jesus Christ have done for you more than he has? Then do not abuse his mercy, but let your time be spent in thinking and talking of the love of Jesus, who was incarnate for us, who was born of a woman, and made under the law, to redeem us from the wrath to come.
George WhitefieldRead

Similar quotes

We cannot change our past. We can not change the fact that people act in a certain way. We can not change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.
Charles R. SwindollRead
God is best known in not knowing him.
Saint AugustineRead
God's law is 'right reason.' When perfectly understood it is called 'wisdom.' When applied by government in regulating human relations it is called 'justice.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
For what avail the plough or sail, or land or life, if freedom fail?
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Men exist for the sake of one another.
Marcus AureliusRead
To survive as a species on this planet, we're going to have to see ourselves as Earthlings.
Mae JemisonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.