6. But doesn't God have to start all this?

First, God works in our hearts and attracts us with His love (Hosea 11:4 and Jeremiah 31:3b). This 'pull' is the preparing work of the Holy Spirit, which makes us conscious of our sins and of the choice we have to make to come to God (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit moves us to repentance.

  • John 6:44,45 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
  • 1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

God begins, but that does not exclude our responsibility.

The Lord Jesus invites us "Come to Me" and we need to obey and take that step to Him.

  • Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

God is knocking at the door of our hearts; we must heed His knocking. 

  • Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 

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