[tag="PRP$"] [□=□] □
[tag="PRP$"] [lemma=□] □
[tag="PRP$"] [tag=□] □
For transparent madness it is to despise so great a dignity , without which it is not possible to obtain either our own salvation , or the good things which have been promised to us . Against this fearful possibility the Devil ’ s neatest trick may be his creation of a state of dependency between himself and his victims-so that they are united with him in an implicit community that is fashioning its own salvation as it goes along . They also claimed that men and women could learn not to sin , a position that suggested people could control their own salvation . Perhaps my children will want to become doctors and minister to the physical needs of their fellow-man , without compromising their life-giving faith or their own salvation . If God wants everybody to be saved , however , your own salvation is only the beginning . Almighty and most merciful Father , who has not yet suffered me to fall into the Grave , grant that I may so remember my past Life as to repent of the days and years which I have spent in forgetfulness of thy mercy and neglect of my own Salvation , and so use the time which thou shalt yet allow me , as that I may become every day more diligent in the duties which in thy Providence shall be assigned me , and that when at last I shall be called to Judgement I may be received as a good and faithful servant into everlasting happiness , for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord . We are told by Paul to “ work out our own salvation with fear and trembling , ” knowing that it is ultimately not our working or even our willing , but God ’ s sovereign work in us which causes us to will and to work His good pleasure .