This question requires an examination between the interplay of God’s sovereignty and humanity’s free will. Although God is sovereign, humans have the responsibility of making their own moral decisions.

Human responsibility

From the standpoint of human responsibility, God calls all people to repent (Acts 17:30; Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Mark 6:12) and promises that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Rom. 10:13; John 3:15–16). Yet the Bible also records that salvation does not depend solely on human will.

According to Romans 9:16, salvation depends not on man’s will, desire, or work, but rather on God’s mercy. As further stated in John 1:13, the redeemed are those born not of the will of man, but of God.

Furthermore, God grants two essential components of salvation, namely repentance (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim. 2:25) and faith (Eph. 2:8–9; Phil. 1:29; Acts 16:14).

Apart from God’s working in man’s heart, the scriptures also indicate that no one would be able to approach Him, since “there is no one who seeks after God” (Rom. 3:11; cf.8:7–8; 1 Cor.2:14; 2, Cor.4:4; Eph.2:1–3).

God’s sovereignty in salvation.

Salvation is completely under God’s control. Therefore, any errant theological system that makes salvation dependent on man’s will (alone) dethrones God.

Jesus said no one could come to Him unless the Father first draws them (John 6:44, John 6:65).

Ephesians 2:1 (NKJV)

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

God’s saving work is the only thing that can bring spiritual life to unbelievers.

Oftentimes, we mistake our salvation for drowning in the ocean, and God sending a life jacket to save us. However this analogy is incorrect because God first needed to revive us as we were dead at the bottom of the ocean.

Unbelief can’t prevent God’s saving work on those He has chosen from eternity past, even if they are spiritually dead.

Furthermore, Christians find security in Christ, not in their own efforts. Instead, they persevere through God’s power.

1 Peter 1:5 (NKJV)

who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

A believer has a responsibility to trust and believe in God, and God has a responsibility to keep the believer.

As believers, we should continuously take advantage of the means of grace provided for us through the cross and the sacred scriptures and humbly submit ourselves to God’s power.

As God works within believers, they can work out their salvation (Phil. 2:12-13).