Philip Dampier's Blog

Salvation Parts

“…there has never been a genuine conversion unless man had a part in it. In John 3:16, all three of the parties concerned in the case of conversion are represented. Now watch: ‘For God so loved the world [that is God’s part], that he gave his only begotten Son [hence the Son has a part], that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life [that is man’s part in it].”

But in another passage (Eph. 2:8, 9), wherein the two elements are brought to view—God’s side, the divine side, and the human side—Paul said: ‘By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.’ Salvation is the thought proclaimed. God had a part in perfecting, in revealing, in making it known; and hence it was prompted purely by his love, his mercy, and his grace; but man, standing as he was at the foot of the cross, must accept God’s terms; and hence on man’s part, it is a matter of faith. It is by the grace of God and by the faith of man, and thus you have the principles of salvation in which both heaven and earth are equally interested and likewise have a part.”

Hardeman’s Tabernacle Sermons by N. B. Hardeman, Gospel Advocate Co. 1922, 1969. p. 91