Biblical Principles for Avoiding Human Wisdom and Secular Examples

What is the relationship between God's sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation?

The concept of God's sovereignty and human responsibility is a central theme in Reformed theology, as seen in the Westminster Confession of Faith. This truth addresses the age-old question of whether God's sovereignty overrules human decision-making in salvation. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including salvation (Romans 8:28-30). However, this sovereignty does not negate human responsibility, but rather, it is the very means by which God exercises His sovereignty. Paul writes in Romans 9:15-16 that God has mercy on whom He will have mercy, and hardens whom He will. This sovereignty is not a contradiction to human responsibility, but rather, it is the very means by which God's sovereignty is exercised.

The Reformed doctrine of predestination, as outlined in the Canons of Dort, teaches that God's sovereignty is not a passive decree, but an active, efficacious decree that brings about the salvation of the elect. This means that God's sovereignty is not a distant, abstract concept, but a living, active force that is at work in the lives of His people. This truth is not meant to intimidate or diminish human responsibility, but rather, it is meant to comfort and assure us of God's power and goodness in salvation. As Charles Spurgeon once said, "God's sovereignty is not a doctrine to be feared, but a truth to be rejoiced in."