Why is it essential for Christians to understand that salvation is of the Lord?
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Understanding that salvation is of the Lord assures Christians that their acceptance before God hinges solely on His grace and not on human merit.
The doctrine that 'salvation is of the Lord' is crucial for Christians as it underscores the total sovereignty of God in the process of salvation. From beginning to end, it is God who saves, not human effort. This concept reflects the historical Reformed understanding of grace and reliance on God’s initiative. Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms that it is by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not from ourselves; it is the gift of God—nothing we have done can earn it. This assurance allows believers to rest not in their own works or feelings but in the completed work of Christ. Knowing that salvation is wholly dependent upon God's grace eliminates pride and fosters gratitude and a humble reliance on Him.
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