Human Heart's Resistance to God's Call in Scripture

The human heart's resistance to God's call is a pervasive theme in Scripture, as it reveals the depths of human depravity and the magnitude of God's grace. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "we know that for those who love God all things work together for good," yet this truth is often met with resistance, as the natural man rebels against the things of God. This resistance is rooted in the fallen human heart, which is described in Scripture as being "desperately sick" and in need of spiritual renewal.

The doctrine of total depravity, a cornerstone of Reformed theology, underscores the idea that the human heart is thoroughly corrupted by sin, and that this corruption extends to every aspect of human nature. This means that, left to ourselves, we are incapable of responding to God's call, and that our resistance to His will is a fundamental aspect of our fallen condition. However, this resistance is not the final word, as God's sovereign grace is able to overcome even the hardest of hearts, drawing sinners to Himself through the power of the gospel.

In this sense, the human heart's resistance to God's call serves as a backdrop for the glory of God's redeeming work, highlighting the magnitude of His love and the power of His grace. As a result, those who have been called by God are compelled to approach others with humility and compassion, recognizing that their own response to God's call was not the result of their own efforts, but rather the fruit of God's sovereign mercy.