How do we know that salvation is not based on human effort?

The doctrine of total depravity, as taught in Scripture, asserts that no one seeks God on their own (Romans 3:11). This fact highlights the Biblical teaching that salvation cannot be attained through human effort or good works but is a gift from God. Just as Matthew was called by the Lord while he was preoccupied with his own business, so too are all of God's elect drawn to Him by His sovereign call, not through any merit of their own. This serves to underscore the complete reliance on God's grace in the process of salvation, affirming that no one can boast of their own achievements in coming to faith.