Divine Power and Human Effort: The Paradox of Christian Labor

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to His working.—The work of Christ in us and for us does not exempt us from work. Nor does the Holy Spirit's operation supersede human effort; rather, it excites it.

Consider the believer's salvation: if any man be saved, the work within is entirely wrought by the Holy Ghost, yet this does not exempt from, but necessitates, energetic labour. The Christian life is always described as a thing of energy—as a journey, a race, a boxing match. Scripture contains no illustration suggesting that heaven is won by sloth; idleness is everywhere condemned.

When the Holy Spirit comes, the sinner sees his danger and cries, "What must I do to be saved?" He perceives the excellence of salvation and desires the pearl of great price at all costs. Having found Christ, the believer is moved at once to glorify Him with all his powers.

Yet saving acts must be performed by the man himself. Faith is the gift of Elohim, but the Holy Ghost never believed for anybody. Repentance is His work, but the sinner must repent. He helps our infirmities in prayer, but we have to pray.