only God
a haiku poem about God's sovereignty in salvation
only God gives growth into the light of his Son oh, the hearts he's won!
About
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. - 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
When it comes to evangelism, we sometimes operate from the mindset that it is largely our efforts that determine whether or not the person or people we are evangelizing to will come to know the Lord. Our efforts do play a role, for we are commanded to share the Gospel with others, but the way a person responds to hearing the Gospel message is ultimately a work of God, not a work of us. God is the one who elects and draws hearts to faith in Christ.
Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” - John 6:29
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” - John 6:44
As the Father draws hearts to Christ, they are also kept there. For the truly saved cannot lose their salvation. The promised inheritance of eternal life is sealed by the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer.
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. - Ephesians 1:13-14
Praise God for the glorious gift of salvation! It is only a work of Him.
Prayer
Lord,
We acknowledge your sovereignty in salvation. In the opportunities we are given to share our faith with others, help us to put our trust in you rather than in our own efforts. Thank you for loving us enough to make a way for us sinners to be saved and to be able to stand justified before a holy God. To you be all glory, honor, and praise.
Amen.
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