Whilst a man is persuaded that he has it in his power to…
“Whilst a man is persuaded that he has it in his power to contribute anything, be it ever so little, to his salvation, he remains in carnal self-confidence; he is not a self-despairer, and therefore is not duly humbled before God, he believes he may lend a helping hand in his salvation, but on the contrary, whoever is truly convinced that the whole work depends singly on the will of God, such a person renounces his own will and strength; he waits and prays for the operation of God, nor waits and prays in vain”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that believing we can contribute to our salvation creates self‑reliance, whereas true faith means surrendering to God's will and awaiting divine action.
In simple terms: Faith requires surrender, not self‑reliance.
Key Takeaway
Trust God’s work, not your own.
Themes
faith
humility
divine sovereignty
self‑reliance
salvation
Mood
reflective
serene
hopeful
Type
theological
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- spiritual counseling
- church teaching
- life decisions
- ethical choices
Key Concepts
theology
free will
divine grace
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you rely on your own strength or God’s?
- How does surrender affect your daily choices?
A Different Perspective
It may discourage personal responsibility and agency in moral actions.