How do we know that our faith and growth depend on God's grace?
Answered in 1 source
Our faith and spiritual growth are gifts from God, affirming that we cannot achieve salvation or merit God's love through our own efforts.
In the sermon, it is emphasized that we do not see Christ or possess faith because we are inherently worthy; rather, it is solely by God's sovereign grace that we believe and grow. Jude articulates that our ability to 'build ourselves up' in faith is not due to our own merit but rather through the grace and mercy of Christ. Our role is to actively engage in the means of grace He provides, such as prayer and hearing the gospel, thereby increasing our faith and reassuring our hearts. This perspective aligns with the doctrine of sovereignty, highlighting that God has chosen and predestinated His people from before the foundation of the world, affirming our total dependence on His grace.
Commentary