J. I. Packer wrote, "Rather, we should live in light of the certainty that anyone may be saved if he or she will but repent and put faith in Christ."
Anyone may be saved who believes and confesses Jesus Christ is Lord (John 1:12; Romans 10:9). The promise of God is certain, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13; Joel 2:32). That's who God saves.
The Scripture is clear that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our salvation is receiving the gift of God in Christ. The Spirit of God convicts us of the sin of unbelief, not trusting in Christ alone to save us (John 16:8-9).
The Holy Spirit enables us to put faith in Christ our Lord. Saving faith is an abiding gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:13). Through faith alone in Christ alone is how God's grace saves us.
What about those who will not repent and put faith in Christ? Dr. Packer wrote, "God gives them over to their sins (i.e., removes restraints on their doing the disobedient things they desire), this is itself the beginning of judgment. It is called 'hardening' (Romans 9:18; 11:25; cf. Ps. 81:12; Romans 1:24, 26, 28), and it inevitably leads to greater guilt."
The Holy Spirit enables us to put faith in Christ our Lord. Saving faith is an abiding gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:13). Through faith alone in Christ alone is how God's grace saves us.
What about those who will not repent and put faith in Christ? Dr. Packer wrote, "God gives them over to their sins (i.e., removes restraints on their doing the disobedient things they desire), this is itself the beginning of judgment. It is called 'hardening' (Romans 9:18; 11:25; cf. Ps. 81:12; Romans 1:24, 26, 28), and it inevitably leads to greater guilt."
