Beth-El Baptist Church

12/16/2007

Greg Tomlinson


Do we ask Jesus into our hearts, or do we have to let God call us, or both?


In some ways this question has been debated in Christian circles for over 1000 years. It is a question of calling and answering. The issue is one of invocation. Do we invoke God's grace upon us or does God invoke His grace upon us without our interest and involvement.


  1. What is our role in the salvation process?

Acts 16:31 Deuteronomy 30:19

Joshua 24:15 2 Corinthians 5:11

Galatians 1:10 Hebrews 11:6

Romans 10:13 Luke 11:13


The scriptures are clear that a man must believe, he must have faith, he must call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved. Our “role” is to believe. There is no work or effort on our part we need to believe.


  1. Since the scriptures tell us to 'choose' and to 'believe', how can a man do this?

Romans 4:6-8; 10:13-17 John 1:12-13; 3:3-5; 6:44; 16:13

Galatians 3:2-3 1 Corinthians 2:13-16

1 Peter 1:22-23 Matthew 16:16-17; 19:25-26

Ephesians 1:17-18; 2:1-8 2 Corinthians 1:21-22


Although man is to call, to believe, and to choose to follow after God. The ability for what Paul calls the 'natural' man to do so is the work of God. It is impossible for man under his own power and by his own authority to turn to God. It is God that comes to man and redeems the man so that he might believe.


  1. What is God's role in the salvation process?

Matthew 9:13; 11:25-26 Romans 6:23; 9:11; 12:3-8; 15:15-16

Colossians 2:13-14 Mark 9:23-24

John 1:17; 15:26 1 Corinthians 1:4-8; 2:9-10

Ephesians 3:2-5, 7-9; 4:7 2 Thessalonians 2:16

2 Timothy 1:9-10 2 Corinthians 5:5

Titus 3:4-5 Acts 8:19-21


It is God who brings the individual to himself by his divine calling and for his own purpose. The salvation of a man belongs to God from beginning to end. He reveals the reality of our sins, our need for a savior, Jesus' sacrifice, and our eternal life with him. He does the saving.


Summary:


Although it is necessary for a man to believe God and to trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ, it is God that enables that belief. It is God that brings men unto himself for his own purpose. None of us deserve anything from God but He in His grace and mercy has chosen to save.