It is suggested by some that in order to be saved one must make a decision for Jesus or commit their life to Him. This suggestion is contradictory to what God says, as a matter of fact what God says is that we cannot do anything to save ourselves. God is quite clear:
“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).
“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot” (Romans 8:7).
“8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
“Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says ‘Jesus is accursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3).
Just as a drowning person cannot save themself or they would not be drowning, so a sinner can do nothing to save him/herself. Just as one cannot choose to be born into this world so one cannot choose to be saved. Salvation comes from outside of us and must be given to us. Thus, if we are condemned, it is our own fault and if we are saved God gets all the credit.
It is only after the Holy Spirit has given us faith that we can, and we can only with His help, continually, live a life of sanctification, making decisions, and not always the right decisions, that are pleasing to God. Only with the help of the Holy Spirit then are we able to imperfectly “commit” our life to Jesus, while giving Him the credit as is due Him alone.
37 of 52 © Rev. Dr. Ronald A. Bogs (2018)
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