This quote caught my attention. Especially the part where Wycliffe says anyone believing in some kind of power of man when it comes to regeneration is ‘Worse than Pelagianism’! For those who aren’t familiar with Pelagianism, gotquestions.org has a very digestible explanation. It really highlights the fact there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to man trying to claim credit for what God has done. That may be a challenge for us to admit or accept. It’s also a serious offense to God which too many of us overlook. Living as if He isn’t our Lord is already a struggle, but what about when we claim credit for our regeneration and salvation itself? Aren’t we really saying we’re our own saviors? Aren’t we actually saying, ‘That’s awesome what you did there on the cross, Jesus, but ultimately whether I’m saved depends on if I choose to follow you or not…’? Clinging to free will as our be-all and end-all IS putting our faith in the power of man, especially when it comes to regeneration and salvation.
For some reason, the last verse of In Christ Alone came to mind when thinking about the power of man. It’s actually ‘No power of hell, no scheme of man’ but that’s where my mind went. Here’s that last verse and what I’d like to leave us with today. It’s actually a short one…
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of Hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here, in the power of Christ, I'll stand