These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.—1 John 5:13

The salvation of the soul requires the blending of human and divine strength. God does not propose to do the work that humans can do to meet the standard of righteousness. Human beings have a part to act. Humanity must unite and co-operate with divinity. Grace and sufficiency have been abundantly provided for every soul. But in order to receive this, humanity must unite with his divine Helper. Unless of their own accord men and women consent to renounce their sinful practices, Christ cannot take away their sin. Human beings must heartily co-operate with God, willingly obeying His laws, showing that they appreciate the great gift of grace. Feeling their dependence upon God, having faith in Christ as their personal Saviour, expecting efficiency and success only as they shall keep the Lord ever before them—it is thus that men and women comply with the injunction, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

But human effort is not sufficient. Human effort avails nothing without divine power. Of themselves humans have not strength to wrestle with the powers of darkness. Therefore Christ clothed His divinity with humanity and came to this earth that He might co-operate with us. To those who will receive Him and trust in His power to save, He imparts the virtue of His righteousness. He gives them power to become the sons of God. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us … full of grace and truth…. And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace” (John 1:12-14, 16).

The human agents must remember that they have in themselves no merits to present to God. Christ is the fountain of life, the only security for our salvation, the one great source of immortality. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. The great, grand work of perfecting character cannot be accomplished without the help that heaven is always ready to supply.—Manuscript 49, 1901.

Further Reflection: Am I working with God to perfect my character day by day?