What does James 1:18 teach about God's will in our salvation?
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James 1:18 teaches that our salvation is birthed out of God's will and is accomplished through the Word of Truth.
In James 1:18, the verse states, 'Of His own will begot He us with the Word of Truth,' which captures the essence of God's sovereign action in salvation. The phrase indicates that it is solely by God's decision that we are brought to life spiritually. This underscores the Reformed understanding of salvation as completely initiated by God, independent of human merit or decision. The 'Word of Truth' is critical as it refers to the Gospel message, which, through the ministerial work of the Holy Spirit, brings about the new birth in the believer's heart, thus connecting God's will and the vehicle of that will—the Gospel.
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