Total Dependence on God For Salvation and Life

“We are a long time in learning that all our strength and salvation is in God.” - David Brainerd, American Presbyterian minister (1718-1747)

We depend on many things for our existence and welfare. For example, we all require air, food, and water. Even the social order in which we interact with others like family, friends, and groups meets specific needs.

For the true believer, however, one must consider an even more important concept than the above necessities. That is, the concept of total dependence on God for both our salvation and our daily lives.

A total dependence on God inspires us to transcend self-reliance and accept an unworldly trust in His authority, discernment, and equipping us. Let's consider what this means to our faith life.

Salvation is the pinnacle of God's grace and a divinely bestowed gift that is obtained by faith, not human endeavors. The basis of total dependence on God starts with admitting and accepting our spiritual bankruptcy in His presence.

The free gift of salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, a constant theme throughout the Bible. Here are some scriptural references concerning our dependence on Him for salvation: Acts 4:12; Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8-9.

What happens after salvation? By way of Divine calling, God encourages us to depend on Him daily for our fortitude, supply of everything we need, and direction. This is a how we show our dependence is not just a one-off decision.

I've included some additional scriptural references to clarify the points mentioned above.

Our Dependence on God for:

 Direction/Guidance

• Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trusting in God's guidance instead of our limited knowledge puts our faith to use.
• Isaiah 55:8-9 - His thoughts and ways are higher than our own, likewise so His direction and guidance.

Fortitude/Strength

• Isaiah 40:31 - Those who wait for the Lord shall change and renew their strength, empowering them to face life's challenges head-on and overcome.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's grace is made perfect when we acquiesce to our own imperfections. Only then will we learn to depend on God's power in our weakness.

Provision/Supplying Our Needs

• Matthew 6:25-34 - Our Heavenly Father is sympathetic to all of our needs. By worrying we show that we do not trust Him.
• Philippians 4:19 - God will most assuredly provide for us according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

The core point here is that, because of our limitations, we rely on God for strength, purpose, and capability in life. Our total dependence on Him for existence, spiritual power, and the ability to achieve things of divine importance is crystal clear.

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2; Isaiah 41:13; Proverbs 16:9; Ecclesiastes 7:14; John 15:5

Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me always be aware of how much I need You in every situation. Open my ears to hear what You say and grant me the grace to trust Your wisdom and timing, even during periods of hardship. Amen."

Grace be unto you,

Charlotte