Why is it important for Christians to recognize God's sovereignty in salvation?

God's sovereignty in salvation is a foundational doctrine in Reformed theology, providing believers with assurance and comfort. In the account of Lydia, we see that God orchestrated every detail of her encounter with Paul, ultimately leading to her salvation. Understanding that God is sovereign means acknowledging that He is in control of every aspect of our lives, including the timing and means of our conversion. This leads to greater humility, as it reminds us that we are not the initiators of our faith but recipients of God's grace. Furthermore, recognizing His sovereignty fosters a deep sense of security and worship, for it assures us that our salvation is not based on our own efforts but on God's eternal purposes. Such truths can be found in passages like Philippians 1:6, which assures believers that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.