Every human being is a sinner who cannot save himself:

“…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Not one human being can, by himself, come to Christ or believe in Him, but is brought to faith by God the Holy Spirit through the Word.

“The man without the Holy Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Holy Spirit, for they are foolishness to him. He cannot understand them because they are spiritually understood.” (I Corinthians 2:14)

“As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins…..” (Ephesians 2:1)

“…But, because of His great love for us, God, Who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

Salvation is given wholly by God through His Son Jesus Christ. Even the faith that receives salvation is a gift created in our hearts by the Holy Spirit in the hearing of the Gospel message of Jesus: His life, death and resurrection for our sin. Salvation is not our decision for God but God’s decision for us. The only moment of decision is the moment God decided to give the gift of salvation to us. When the Holy Spirit makes us aware of what God has done for us and creates faith in our hearts, we respond with a life of gratitude and service.

A Prayer to Pray

Heavenly Father, I thank you that you have convinced me of the truth of Your Word and have created a living faith in my soul. I now realize that I am a sinner and I ask Your forgiveness for my sins against You. Thank You for so loving me that, You sent Your own Son to be my Savior. I know He died and rose for me and that because of His life and death for my sins, salvation and the assurance of heaven is mine. By Your Spirit’s leading, I put my faith in Jesus and long to follow Him each day. Give me a hunger for Your Word and teach me to pray. Make me more like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.