Salvation

I was reading my church's doctrinal statement today (I had some free time), and I felt that their explanation of salvation was fantastic.

Salvation is freely given when individuals, through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of faith, repent of their sins, and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord...

...Salvation is not given because of human initiative, status, or works. Nor is it granted because of God’s foreknowledge of future decisions a person might make. Rather, salvation comes to people solely because of God’s initiative and unmerited favor. Everyone whom He calls to salvation willingly believes in Christ as Savior and Lord. -Bethel Church

It is of utmost importance that we realize that salvation begins with God. We are in no way responsible for saving ourselves. To God alone be the glory.