Can a man save himself? Depends.

Can a man save himself to any degree and in any sense of the word? This certainly is one of the longest running debates of sinners and saints, scholars and ain’t. The currency of  the debate is always the same, although it can be transacted in pennies or pounds sterling. The box seats version typically involves a series of salvos over free will and total depravity, with lots of proof texts flying through the air . The cheap seats version is shorter but has more local color: “I’m not perfect, but I’m good at heart, and I do my best . . . ” (the rest of the argument is unstated but clearly implied, and it goes like this)  “. . . and if that isn’t good enough for your God, then your God isn’t good enough for me.”

God has a different approach, one which is typically overlooked, perhaps because it kills the argument and spoils the fun. God’s contribution is more like the minimum height chart for a carnival ride:

“Can I ride?”

“Sure, if the top of your noggin is over this mark.”

“Can I save myself?”

“Sure, if you can meet these few simple requirements: 

‘Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His? Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and array yourself with glory and beauty. Disperse the rage of your wrath; Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him. Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low; Tread down the wicked in their place. Hide them in the dust together, Bind their faces in hidden darkness. Then I will also confess to you That your own right hand can save you.’” (Job 40.9-14).

1. 

   Gwen Burrow says:

   August 20, 2010 at 6:52 pm

   That was good. Really good.