Why do Christians say that God must initiate salvation?

The idea that God must initiate salvation stems from the understanding of humanity’s natural state after the fall. Ephesians 2:1 declares that we were 'dead in trespasses and sins,' signifying that spiritual death renders us incapable of seeking God on our own. This foundational truth is essential in Reformed theology, which teaches that God, in His mercy, must first intervene in our lives to awaken us to our need for salvation. This is often described as a 'quickening' by God's power, leading us to faith. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty and grace, affirming that we are entirely dependent on His initiative to come to faith and be saved.