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Pilgrim said:
Paul,

Good point and the distinction is often confused. A man's will is always free to choose that which is most important according to his nature AND according to the circumstances one is in. A couple of examples that I really like are:
  1. You can make a child sit in a chair who doesn't want to, but he's still standing on the "inside". <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/giggle.gif" alt="" />
  2. John Gerstner used a very poignant example to illustrate that although circumstances may limit the choices of one's will, the will is still free to choose: "I can be sitting at my desk writing and a man points a gun to my head and says, 'Stop writing or I'll kill you!'. I have thus two choices, to keep writing or go on living. The choice is mine (the will is still free to choose). My choice will be determined by what I think/feel is more important; to go on writing or to stay alive. Thus the person with the gun cannot force (compel, violate) my will. He can limit the choices I have but it is still my choice to make.

In His grace,

What about Acts 16:6,7

6Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.


This is not bending against their desire? It looks plain to me.

There never was a sinner half as big as Christ is as a Savior.