Autonomy, or self-rule, is the creature’s attempt to possess life, wisdom, moral judgment, and rule independently of God — the governing impulse of rebellion.
Autonomy is not genuine freedom, because no creature can become self-originating or self-sustaining. The attempt does not create an independent life; it produces alienation and disintegration. It is the will to belong to oneself rather than to the Creator — Adam’s choice in Eden, and the quiet claim underneath every sin: my life, my judgment, my rule are finally my own.
Salvation reverses it. The sinner surrenders the claim to rule himself and receives life again under the rightful authority of the risen Christ, whose service is the freedom autonomy could never supply.
See in Scripture: Genesis 3:1–7; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 1:18–25; Philippians 2:5–8