Chosen by the Father 2

Even though man's nature is fallen (and his spiritual state dead; Eph. 2:1) making it virtually impossible for him to respond to God apart from the activity of God in his heart, he is nevertheless held responsible for his thoughts and actions since in his life these are choices he must admit to making freely of his own accord. Martin Luther put it this way, "Both good and evil men, though by their actions they fulfill the decree and appointment of God, yet are not forcibly constrained to do anything but act freely."