"...if anyone makes the assistance of grace depend on the humility or obedience of man and does not agree that it is a gift of grace itself that we are obedient and humble, he contradicts the Apostle who says, "What have you that you did not receive?" (1 Cor. 4:7), and, "But by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10). (Council of Orange: Canon 6)
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I have heard it said, "stop trying and start trusting" but sinners cannot trust, any more than try, without renewal of heart. Both are equally difficult apart from regenerating grace. So it is perfectly fine to call people to both try and trust (as an imperative) if we keep in mind that they both spring from the grace of Christ.
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But what are we trusting in? Christ's finished work on the cross; therefore, our trying is not so much "trying" as it is submitting, right?
Posted by: DL | May 16, 2011 10:02 PM
DL
But even submitting is itself a work of grace. JI Packer once said of the cross, "Its saving power does not depend on faith being added to it; its saving power is such that faith flows from it. The Cross secured the full salvation of all for whom Christ died. "God forbid," therefore, "that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Grace frees you from boasting in what isn't your own, including ascribing your repenting, believing and submitting your own sound judgment or good sense. Grace makes us glory in Christ alone, even for these blessings.
Posted by: John H | May 17, 2011 01:30 PM
Yes! This explanation helps a lot. John, thanks.
Posted by: DL | May 17, 2011 10:29 PM