The sovereignty of God in our salvation also humbles our naturally
proud hearts. We tend to think too highly of
ourselves and our abilities. However, when we come to see that we would never
have surrendered to God if he did not first work in us, we are greatly humbled.
There is something in every fallen child of Adam that wants to contribute
something to their own salvation. We want to add a little of our own works and
effort so that salvation is viewed as a co-operative effort between ourselves
and God. But this is not what the Scriptures teach, nor will they allow us to
move in that direction.
Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through
faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not the result of
works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). His meaning is clear. There
is nothing we can add. We contribute nothing but our own sinfulness and
unworthiness. Instead, we rely on the gracious gift of God to save us. This
means that we are at the mercy of God. We are not saved because of anything we
have done, or because we are somehow better than our neighbors, or more
desirable to God when considered apart from Christ. God’s sovereignty in
salvation melts away our pride and leaves us no room for boasting. And in its
place there grows a deep thankfulness for such a great salvation that has come
to lost sinners such as we were and at such a great cost.
To be continued in my next post...
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