God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

We've all heard phrases that many assume are in the Bible, but actually are not. One of those is, "God helps those who help themselves." George Barna tells us that 82% of Americans believe this is a verse in the Bible. This phrase is pretty much the basis for every human religion. It seems logical---God does his part, I do my part, everything works out in the end. Sadly, though, this idea is a lie from the lips of the old serpent himself. The only thing I contribute to my salvation is the sin that led to its need. The Reformation, led by Martin Luther was a theological revolution that at the core addressed this lie. Luther helped the church reclaim the central tenet of our redemption, that we are justified by the grace of God alone, and receive this only as helpless people who fall on God's mercy through faith alone. The truth we will ultimately discover is that God helps those who realize they are unable to help themselves.