GRACE BEYOND HUMAN EFFORT

 The yoke of confusion and stagnation is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: GRACE BEYOND HUMAN EFFORT

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

  Romans 9:16 declares, “So then God’s choice does not depend on human will or effort, but on God’s mercy [in His sovereign choice].” (AMP). This verse confronts a deeply human assumption—that salvation (Healing , prosperity , success, deliverance) is earned by religious performance, moral discipline, or personal striving. Paul’s argument dismantles this pride-based theology and re-centers the gospel on divine mercy.

      From an apologetic standpoint, Romans 9:16 defends the justice of God by showing that salvation is not owed to anyone.God owes nobody anything , he owns everything. If salvation were a reward for effort, grace would cease to be grace (Romans 11:6).   

Instead, God saves freely, not arbitrarily, but according to His redemptive purpose revealed in Christ. This does not make human responsibility meaningless; rather, it places human response within the framework of God’s initiating grace (John 6:44).

    Critics often accuse this doctrine of promoting fatalism ( the belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable) However, Scripture presents divine sovereignty and human responsibility as complementary truths. God shows mercy, yet He commands repentance and faith (Acts 17:30). The mystery is not a contradiction but a revelation of God’s superior wisdom.

    Romans 9:16 humbles the believer. It reminds us that our standing before God is not secured by fasting, church attendance, or spiritual reputation, but by mercy alone.    This produces gratitude instead of pride, obedience instead of entitlement, and worship instead of self-glory.

When we understand that mercy—not merit—saved us, we stop boasting in ourselves and begin boasting in the cross (Galatians 6:14). Grace becomes our confidence, and Christ becomes our only hope.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and a willing and sensitive heart .

PRAYER; Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and wisdom for excellence.

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