God is Sovereign and Man is Responsible

Human Accountability in Salvation: Why Men Reject Christ

If men don’t come to Christ, their inability to do so stems from loving their idols more. Human accountability in salvation reveals that the sole barrier preventing men from coming to Christ is their wicked marriage to sin and their refusal to seek Him.

The Gospel as a Valid Offer in Human Accountability

Concluding that telling folks the gospel is an empty offer leads to the belief that neither Jesus Christ nor Paul ever truly came to save humanity. This misconception arises because individuals draw their own carnal conclusions about God’s sovereignty. Without immersing oneself in Scripture, balancing its teachings, and constantly verifying personal conclusions against biblical truths, one risks error. Consequently, you might conclude, “It’s a valid offer; therefore, God is not sovereign,” or “God is sovereign; therefore, it’s not a valid offer.” Neither conclusion aligns properly with Scripture.

Understanding Human Depravity and Divine Sovereignty in Accountability

To grasp human accountability in salvation, recognize several key truths:

• Human Depravity: Are men depraved? Through and through? Naturally? Yes.
• Divine Sovereignty: Is God sovereign? Yes.
• Salvation’s Origin: Is salvation of the Lord? Yes.
• Divine Initiation: Is it impossible for men to come unless the Father draws them? Yes.
• Invitation to Salvation: Are men bidden to come? Yes.
• Assured Salvation: If they come, will they be saved? Yes.
• Human Responsibility: Are they responsible to come and be saved? Absolutely.
• Sufficiency of Atonement: Does Scripture speak as though there is sufficiency in the atonement? Yes.

If men don’t come, it is seen as criminal because their inability lies in loving their idols more.

The Binding Power of Sin and Human Accountability

The only thing that keeps men from coming to Christ is their wicked marriage to sin. Scripture clearly states that such individuals are guilty, deserving of God’s judgment, and will face eternal punishment for their rebellion and refusal to seek Him. Human accountability in salvation emphasizes that if men believe, they escape condemnation and are saved. If they do not believe, it is solely their choice.

Jesus said, “You will not come unto Me that you might have life.” Because they won’t come, they perish in their sin and are held responsible.

The Gospel’s Role in Reconciliation and Accountability

Scripture instructs us to take the gospel forth and urge men to be reconciled to God based on the sufficiency of the atonement. If they don’t come, the Master of the house has every reason to be angry, and His anger will burn upon them to the pit of hell. This teaching underscores human accountability in salvation.

The Reality of the Elect and Personal Responsibility in Salvation

Is there an elect people of God? Yes. However, no one is excused from accountability because they’re not elect. Sinners are explicitly addressed as sinners in Scripture. If they lay down their weapons of rebellion and surrender to Christ’s merciful arms, they find salvation. Many do hear, repent, believe, and are saved. If they don’t hear, Scripture explains it’s because they won’t hear, won’t come, and won’t believe due to their love for idols—the praise of men, fields, oxen, and wives.

The Severity of Rejecting God: Accountability in Action

Human accountability in salvation highlights that rejecting Christ is a severe crime against God, punished with just severity. Sinning against God is criminal activity of unimaginable depths. Those who refuse to come are culpable, and their hearts are adverse to God. This lack of valid excuse before God results in punishment fitting His justice.

God’s Grace and Human Choice in Accountability

We can be grateful that God overcomes our hardened hearts, softens them, and gives us ears to hear. God doesn’t leave us to love sin and face eternal separation. Those who go to hell receive what they desired—sin. God allows individuals to have their desires, emphasizing the balance between His sovereignty and human responsibility. Human accountability in salvation requires recognizing that Scripture doesn’t force a perfect fit but presents both divine sovereignty and human choice.

Embracing Scripture and Divine Invitations: A Call to Accountability

Where Scripture is silent, some feel compelled to provide answers, but certain truths remain beyond our understanding. However, the gospel is not empty. Jesus Christ wept for sinners and extended countless invitations to come unto Him. The Father eagerly receives the prodigal sinner, demonstrating God’s relentless pursuit of humanity. This portrayal aligns with human accountability in salvation, showcasing that while God extends His hand, individuals must choose to accept it.

Key Takeaways on Human Accountability in Salvation

• Responsibility: Individuals are fully responsible for their decision to accept or reject Christ.
• Free Will: Human free will plays a crucial role in salvation, aligning with divine sovereignty.
• Scriptural Balance: Continuous engagement with Scripture ensures accurate understanding of salvation’s principles.
• Divine Offer: The gospel remains a valid and sufficient offer for salvation, contingent on human response.
• Consequences of Rejection: Rejecting Christ results in just punishment, underscoring personal accountability.

By emphasizing human accountability in salvation, this discussion reinforces the essential balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, urging individuals to choose Christ over the idols of sin.