How do we know that receiving Christ is not the same as being saved?

In stark contrast to the view that receiving Christ is the determining factor for salvation, historic Reformed theology emphasizes that salvation is entirely a work of God. The act of receiving is actually the fruit of salvation already granted by grace. If God has truly given us His son, we will receive Him. This understanding moves away from salvation by works—where one's willingness to receive Christ is seen as a personal achievement—and instead rests on the sovereign grace of God, as seen in Scriptures like John 1:10-13. The true basis for being saved is God's initiative, not human decision.