What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Meaning of creating salvation with fear and trembling"
Answer
Creating salvation with fear and trembling means an active cooperation between man and God, in which man, despite his own powerlessness, makes serious efforts. While man is completely dependent on God's grace and power, he must voluntarily submit his will and resolutely fight against temptations. It is a joint work in which God brings about the willing and the accomplishing, while man actively responds to this divine guidance.
The necessary cooperation with God
The work of attaining salvation is a partnership, a joint undertaking. There must be cooperation between God and the repentant sinner. This is necessary for the formation of right principles in character. Man should make serious efforts to overcome what hinders him from attaining perfection. Yet he is wholly dependent on God for success.
No passive waiting for salvation
We have a role to play in this work. Let no one think that men and women will be taken into heaven without participating in the struggle here below. We have a battle to fight, a victory to win. God says to us: “Create your own salvation.” How? “With fear and trembling. For God is the one who works in you, both the willing and the accomplishing, according to His pleasure.” God works, and man works.
Complete dependence on God's power
Man has no power from within himself to bring about his own salvation. Salvation must be the result of cooperation with divine power, and God will not do for man what he can do for himself. Man is completely dependent on the grace of Christ. He has no power to even take a single step toward Christ unless the Spirit of God draws him.
The struggle against sin
This work can be accomplished only through faith in Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. ... The Christian will feel the stirrings of sin, but he will wage a continual battle against them. Here the help of Christ is needed. Human weakness is united with divine strength.
The role of human will
Man cannot transform himself by exercising his own will. He possesses no power by which such change could be effected. The renewing energy must come from God. Change can only occur through the Holy Spirit. Whoever wishes to be saved, whether high or low, rich or poor, must submit to the work of this power.
- Cooperation between God and man
- Overcoming sin through Christ
- The role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification
Original Sources (English)
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