SALVATION IS 100% GOD'S WORK and GOD'S GIFT

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There are many schools of thought (I don't know if this is the right term) on Salvation. Well, I only know two. The first one is that salvation is 100% God's work and God's gift. The second one is that salvation is MOSTLY God's work, however, man has a part in salvation because he is the one who “accepts” this salvation. Without this “acceptance”, salvation is not consummated (to use a legal term). In other words, salvation is MOSTLY God's work plus man's use of his free will.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says: “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.” The first verse says that “we are saved through faith”. That's basic and doesn't need much explanation. The next part of the verse says “this is not from ourselves” which means that salvation, and the faith that comes with it, are NOT of man or from man. These are from GOD. Even man's act of “accepting” salvation is a gift from God. Our faith is a gift from God. Man cannot say he has a part in his salvation because every aspect of salvation is from God. Period.

In addition, in man's state of unrighteousness, he cannot “accept” the gift of salvation by himself. Romans 3:11 says, “There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.” By himself, man cannot understand what salvation is, much more accept it as God's gift.

I am not a Bible scholar (a phrase I have been repeating in my blog) but I also read and study the Bible. Whatever I write here is my own understanding of the Bible as enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit's enlightenment and guidance, man cannot understand the things of God (or that is, spiritual things; I Corinthians 2:12-14). I wrote this blog to share my thoughts. I do not wish to argue or debate with anyone because I find arguments and debates rather revolting. You may, however, react and post your comments in a nice, respectful way.

Thank you. :)




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