The Bible teaches that salvation is only possible through God, as stated in Matthew 19:26, 'With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.'
Salvation, as articulated in scripture, hinges upon the sovereign grace of God. In Matthew 19:25-26, the disciples question the feasibility of salvation, and Christ responds by affirming that while it is impossible for man, it is entirely possible for God. This underscores the belief that human effort or merit cannot attain salvation, which is a fundamental tenet of Reformed theology. Furthermore, the acknowledgment of oneself as a 'lost sinner' is crucial, for it is only through the Holy Spirit's work that one can genuinely cry out for mercy.
The difficulties faced in conversion highlight several pivotal truths: Firstly, an individual must grasp their lostness, realizing that they are entirely dependent on God's grace. Secondly, the sinner must receive instruction in the gospel, emphasizing that it is through Christ's blood and righteousness that God justifies the believer, as indicated in John 6:44-45. Lastly, the believer is called to rest in the grace that initiated their faith. The understanding that salvation is a gift and that even faith and repentance are wrought by God Himself leads to a profound peace in the believer's life.
Scripture References:
Matthew 19:25-26, John 6:44-45, Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 8:28-30, Acts 8:26-40, Romans 10:14, Ephesians 2:8-9, Isaiah 40:6, Matthew 19:26, 1 Peter 1:3, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Psalm 25:5, 2 Timothy 1:9, Romans 10:4, Romans 5:10, Romans 10:9-10, Galatians 1:6-9, James 1:16-21, John 3:16, Psalm 106:4, Luke 19:10, 1 Peter 1:10-12; Psalm 62, 1 Timothy 1:15, Romans 5:20, Psalm 35:3, Galatians 3:13, John 14:6, Hebrews 7:25, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, Isaiah 12, Titus 2:13, Romans 3:20, Isaiah 64:6, John 4:14, Acts 4:12, Colossians 1:13-14, John 6:44, Psalm 39:5, Psalm 37:39, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 3:23-26, Jonah 2:9, Exodus 14:13, Genesis 3, Acts 8:35, Isaiah 26:1, Mark 2:15, Romans 4, Ephesians 2:4-5, Ephesians 2:1-10, Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:3, Isaiah 43:1, Psalm 110:3, Matthew 1:21, John 19:30, Romans 4:5, Romans 10:3, Romans 8:30, Romans 3:10-12, John 3:5, Romans 9:16, Ephesians 1:3-7, Romans 1:16, Romans 3:23-24, Titus 3:5, Luke 18:14, Acts 16:30-31, Psalm 106:4-5, John 3:3
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