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QUESTION 58:
Where does it say in the Bible that God helps those that help themselves?

ANSWER:
I suppose this is the most popular statement people make from the Bible. The answer to this is very simple. It is not found anywhere in the Bible. In fact, there is no verse that supports the meaning of this statement.

I understand this was first coined by a former US President. He most certainly hasn't read his Bible much. The idea behind this is man's way of salvation. If I do my part God will do His. If I am good, God will do the rest. This is not true. God does not ask us for our help in the matter of salvation. He has provided it out of the mercy and grace of His Being and offers it as a gift to all that will come as sinners to Christ. "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life"-- Romans 6:23. "If thou knewest the gift of God,. . .thou wouldest of asked Him and He would have given thee living water" - John 4:10. We are not only sinners in God's sight, but unable to do one thing to put away sins already committed. "When we were yet WITHOUT STRENGTH, Christ died for the ungodly," Romans 5:6 Man never seems to want to give up trying to do what Christ has already finished on the cross. "It is finished" - John 19:30

A little boy once said, "I always knew Christ died for my sins, but I never knew that was enough" God doesn't need any help to save sinners. All He needs from the sinner is genuine repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He will "by His grace" do the rest. It is only when you quit trying that you can begin trusting. Do trust Him as your sin bearer and be saved today. Your sins will be blotted out when you do, Isaiah 44:22.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen