What is the work of God in salvation?

The work of God in salvation is a central tenet of Reformed theology, emphasizing that it is God alone who initiates and accomplishes salvation. According to James 1:18, it is God’s will that brings about our new birth through the word of truth. This underscores that our faith is a response to the divine work of regeneration, not a precondition for it. It is not our believing that gives us life; rather, being made alive in Christ enables us to believe. Furthermore, God's work includes the imputation of Christ's righteousness to believers, ensuring that they stand just before a holy God. This total reliance on God's work differentiates true religion from useless religion, which may incorrectly place the onus of salvation upon the sinner’s actions.