𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗩𝗘𝗦

WHY MEN CANNOT SAVE THEMSELVES

(A Dispensational, Grace-Centered Message)

INTRODUCTION

From Eden to today, man has tried every possible way to save himself—through religion, morality, works, rituals, and self-reformation. Yet Scripture is clear: salvation is impossible apart from Christ.

In this Dispensation of Grace, God reveals through the Apostle Paul that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—not by human effort (Eph. 2:8–9).

Let us examine nine biblical reasons why men cannot save themselves.

THE SINFUL PROBLEM

Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6

A. Universal Corruption — “All have sinned”

B. Ungodly Condition — No exception, no exemption

C. Unavoidable Reality — Sin separates from God

Sin is not behavior only; it is nature.

THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS PRETENSE

Isaiah 64:6; Romans 10:3

A. Filthy Righteousness — Human goodness is defiled

B. False Confidence — Trusting morality over mercy

C. Failed Comparison — God’s standard is perfection

Good works cannot cleanse a sinful heart.

THE SENTENCED PENALTY

Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4

A. Certain Judgment — “The wages of sin is death”

B. Capital Consequence — Eternal separation

C. Condemned Standing — Already under judgment

Sin demands payment—and man cannot afford it.

THE SPIRITUALLY DEAD POSITION

Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13

A. Dead in Trespasses — Not sick, but dead

B. Disabled Will — Cannot respond spiritually

C. Desperate Need — Life must come from outside

Dead men cannot save themselves.

THE SALVATION-BY-WORKS FALLACY

Galatians 2:21; Romans 11:6

A. Grace Denied — Works cancel grace

B. Cross Devalued — Christ died in vain if works save

C. Covenant Confusion — Mixing law and grace

Works-based salvation insults the cross.

THE SINFUL NATURE

Romans 5:12; Psalm 51:5

A. Adamic Inheritance — Sin passed to all men

B. Automatic Condemnation — Born lost

C. Absolute Helplessness — Nature cannot fix itself

You don’t become a sinner by sinning—you sin because you are one.

THE SATANIC BLINDNESS

2 Corinthians 4:3–4; Ephesians 2:2

A. Blinded Minds — Gospel hidden to the lost

B. Bondage to Darkness — Under this world system

C. Broken Understanding — Truth rejected

Without divine light, man remains lost.

THE SUBSTITUTIONARY SOLUTION

2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8

A. Sinless Savior — Christ knew no sin

B. Sacrificial Substitute — Took our place

C. Satisfying Payment — God fully satisfied

Salvation is accomplished, not achieved.

THE SIMPLE WAY OF SALVATION

1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Ephesians 2:8–9

A. Faith Alone — Not works

B. Finished Work — Christ’s death, burial, resurrection

C. Free Gift — Received, not earned

Believe, and thou shalt be saved.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Sin ruins every man

Works fail every test

Death demands payment

The lost are spiritually dead

Grace and works never mix

Man’s nature is corrupt

Satan blinds the lost

Christ paid it all

Faith receives salvation

CONCLUSION

Man cannot save himself because he is the problem.

God alone provides the solution through Jesus Christ.

Salvation is not about what you do, but about what Christ has done.

CALL TO ACTION

Believe the gospel today (1 Cor. 15:1–4)

Reject works-based religion

Rest in Christ’s finished work

Rejoice in grace alone

ONLY JESUS CAN SAVE!

“By grace are ye saved through faith…” (Eph. 2:8)