"It is totally beyond our control to "be saved". . . . . Yes, our race is a fallen race, and praise be to God, He provided that perfect restitution, that perfect reconciliation, that perfect restoration of relationship, IF we will only decide to accept it."

The above statements were part of the same comment in another group of forums I sometimes visit, where interesting spiritual questions are posed for discussion. The forum thread where these appeared was about the 'nature' of fallen man.

That combination of statements poses an unavoidable question. The first says that is totally beyond our control to be saved. the second says that we ultimately are saved IF, and only IF, we make the right decision.

There is truth in both statements. We have no ability to control our salvation, and we must choose Christ. But doesn't the IF, mean that we are ultimately in control?

In another forum thread at the same discussion venue, someone commented that God doesn't actually save anyone, but that we save ourselves by our decision for Christ.

Please understand that this is just a question, regardless of what I might or might not personally believe. I have had to ask the question myself, believe me.

Dave,

I don't think I ever got an email notification that you replied here, but that is probably my fault.

God offers the gift of salvation and we receive it, so both. A larger question might be "WHY do we receive it?" Is it because we figured things our all on our own, amd choose Christ wothout any sort of 'outside of ourself' influence; or do we owe even our decision to choose Christ to God?

If we say that human decision initiates God's work in our hearts, are we obligated to say also that in effect we save ourselves, or at least that we contributed to our salvation = that we have 'reason to boast' (Eph 2:8-9)?

Just questions. I hope you come back here and don't think I blew off your question. My apologies.