We can't actually save ourselves--this is Pelagianism. The most popular idea is that we can save ourselves with some help from Jesus. This is semi-Pelagianism. That is Arminian theology, which is very similar, actually, to Catholic theology.
There is also neo-Calvinism, or what is sometimes called "dead" Calvinism or "bastard" Calvinism, which is based upon study of the letter of the word. While some Calvinist theology is good, for example the Doctrines of Grace, Calvinism tends towards OT legalism. We do not save ourselves by any attempt to keep the Law.
Christ did everything necessary to save his sheep. He died for all of the sins of all of his people. We don't actually contribute to his perfect and finished work. In reality, Christ did not die for goats, who attempt to save themselves through the self-righteousness of works. Letting go of self-righteousness is a blessing.
Apart from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, people have trouble understanding the scriptures correctly. After we are "born again" (born spiritually from above), the Spirit teaches us the spiritual meaning of the word. We are born into this world physically alive, but spiritually dead. This is the consequence of original sin. When the Holy Spirit regenerates us, this is the "first resurrection" spoken of in Revelation. It is spiritual resurrection.
There is a final resurrection, which is the redemption of the body, which takes place at Christ's return. The "sleeping" saints arise in their glorified bodies, and then the saints who are alive and remain are instantly translated to meet Christ in the air. This is where the rapture teaching originates. It will not be a "secret rapture" as some teach. It will be an event that everyone will be able to see. The sequence is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
God's election of particular sinners to salvation took place in eternity. Romans 9 explains that God created "vessels of mercy" and "vessels of wrath." One group is the elect of God, the other group are reprobates. Reprobates follow the religion of Cain, who was "of that Wicked One." In the time of God's choosing, each lost sheep of Christ will be spiritually regenerated. Hallelujah.
Here is what Toplady said about free grace vs free will:
https://www.the-highway.com/freewill_Toplady.html
One is scriptural and Christ centered, based upon the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation. The other is man centered, making man his own savior.
Luther said our natural wills are in bondage to sin:
https://www.reformedreader.org/bow.htm
We can't actually save ourselves--this is Pelagianism. The most popular idea is that we can save ourselves with some help from Jesus. This is semi-Pelagianism. That is Arminian theology, which is very similar, actually, to Catholic theology.
There is also neo-Calvinism, or what is sometimes called "dead" Calvinism or "bastard" Calvinism, which is based upon study of the letter of the word. While some Calvinist theology is good, for example the Doctrines of Grace, Calvinism tends towards OT legalism. We do not save ourselves by any attempt to keep the Law.
Christ did everything necessary to save his sheep. He died for all of the sins of all of his people. We don't actually contribute to his perfect and finished work. In reality, Christ did not die for goats, who attempt to save themselves through the self-righteousness of works. Letting go of self-righteousness is a blessing.
Apart from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, people have trouble understanding the scriptures correctly. After we are "born again" (born spiritually from above), the Spirit teaches us the spiritual meaning of the word. We are born into this world physically alive, but spiritually dead. This is the consequence of original sin. When the Holy Spirit regenerates us, this is the "first resurrection" spoken of in Revelation. It is spiritual resurrection.
There is a final resurrection, which is the redemption of the body, which takes place at Christ's return. The "sleeping" saints arise in their glorified bodies, and then the saints who are alive and remain are instantly translated to meet Christ in the air. This is where the rapture teaching originates. It will not be a "secret rapture" as some teach. It will be an event that everyone will be able to see. The sequence is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
God's election of particular sinners to salvation took place in eternity. Romans 9 explains that God created "vessels of mercy" and "vessels of wrath." One group is the elect of God, the other group are reprobates. Reprobates follow the religion of Cain, who was "of that Wicked One." In the time of God's choosing, each lost sheep of Christ will be spiritually regenerated. Hallelujah.