Without the Spirit man is so infirm that he cannot, with all other means whatsoever, be enabled to think one right saving thought of God, of Christ, or of his blessed things.
John BunyanRead
There can be but one will the master in our salvation, but that shall never be the will of man, but of God; therefore man must be saved by grace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that human salvation comes not from human effort but through divine grace.
John Bunyan's quote reflects the theological belief that salvation is not achieved through human deeds or willpower, but is a gift of grace from God. It suggests that no matter how hard humans strive, their salvation is determined by a higher divine will, which underscores the role of faith and grace in spiritual beliefs.
Themes
SalvationGraceDivine WillFaithTheology
In practice
Example use cases
During a sermon about faith and grace, the pastor might use this quote to illustrate that human effort alone cannot achieve salvation.
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For to speak the truth, there are but few that care thus to spend their time, but choose rather to be speaking of things to no profit.
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I saw a man clothed with rags . . . a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back.
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Look how fears have presented themselves, so have supports and encouragements; yea, when I have started, even as it were at nothing else but my shadow, yet God, as being very tender of me, hath suffered me to be molested, but would with one Scripture or another, strengthen me against all; insomuch that I have often said, Were it awful, I could pray for greater trouble, for the greater comfort's sake.
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I would say to my soul, O my soul, this is not the place of despair; this is not the time to despair in. As long as mine eyes can find a promise in the Bible, as long as there is a moment left me of breath or life in this world, so long will I wait or look for mercy, so long will I fight against unbelief and despair.
John BunyanRead
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