Correct me if I'm wrong; doesn't this doctrine stem from a belief in salvation by grace in that there is no work we can do that can save us?
I can agree that there is no good work we can do that would save us but that there is one selfish work involved in our salvation. That selfish act is our acceptance of Jesus' death on the cross as our atonement for our sin. I suppose that one could cast aside this gift if they choose.
To be unwilling to accept the need for even the selfish act of acceptance as a prerequisite for salvation leads to incomprensible doctrines like Jesus' atonement being only for some people and that God's grace is irresistable.
I can agree that there is no good work we can do that would save us but that there is one selfish work involved in our salvation. That selfish act is our acceptance of Jesus' death on the cross as our atonement for our sin. I suppose that one could cast aside this gift if they choose. To be unwilling to accept the need for even the selfish act of acceptance as a prerequisite for salvation leads to incomprensible doctrines like Jesus' atonement being only for some people and that God's grace is irresistable.
I have not heard it put quite this way, but I suppose you could consider it a selfish act. And yet, not. Perhaps you could consider it a prideful act not to accept Christ as Savior instead. Those who reject Him believe they're good enough on their own, not having done anything "wrong enough" (i.e., murder, etc.). But Christ said if you have committed murder in your hearts, you are guilty of the same as committing the act.