Is Acceptance A "Work" of Obedience

[Godhelpus]

I guess I just see it different. I don't see how one can confess Jesus as Lord until they have first accepted Him as such. Acceptance then confession as opposed to acceptance and confession.

It's not written as a timeline thing.

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Paul speaks like both are at the same time. It's not about whether one is before the others, but that both are needed to be saved.

The question here is, if God says speaking words is a work or not. There are Scriptures showing that God judges our words the same as works, and evil words are called evil works, such as bearing false witness. Therefore, confessing with the mouth the Lord Jesus is a good work, rather than giving false testimony.

The only question is whose work it is, that we are doing? Who gets the glory, when we confess Jesus our Lord? Who can boast of it? Only God by Jesus Christ, not we ourselves. In that light, Paul says everything we now do through Jesus Christ, is no longer our works, but the Lord's, for we are now His workmanship:

Isa 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Heb 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

 

[Godhelpus]

this is where your hitting the brick wall.. by adding works in to salvation. Paul calls it the free gift a free gift can not be earned

And yet, if it is God that includes the work, then it is part of His free gift.

Act 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Do we earn the right to call upon the name of the Lord, and be saved? No. It is the free gift of God to do anything by His grace, especially to be saved. No man can boast of doing anything good through Jesus Christ, especially confessing Him Lord by the grace of God:

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

.. water baptism could possibly fall into a type work because its something we do

And yet, confessing the Lord Jesus is not something we do? It certainly is something we do.

but it does not save

And so confessing the Lord Jesus does not save? Since it certainly is something we do.

This is not just a game of logic and catching of words. We are told plainly that we must believe from the heart, and confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus, to be saved.

This is the Lord's requirement of us, for Him to save us. If someone doesn't like calling confession a 'work', then so be it. But it certainly is something we do, and must do to be saved. Anyone can object to calling confession a work, but who is going to say, that it is not something we do?

we do nothing only speak from the heart confess with your heart .

I see, then confessing with our mouth is not something we do? Really? Is this a theological or philosophic argument, because it certainly isn't practical. When we give testimony in court, we're not 'doing' anything? Then why is there law against bearing false witness, if we do nothing only speaking from the mouth?

Also, why is water baptism something we do, but not confessing the Lord Jesus? With water baptism, we don't even have to confess anything, but just let the baptizer do all the work. In a practical sense, being water baptized is doing less than confessing with the mouth...

Once again, this isn't about gotcha words and playing games of logic. It's about what is being taught from the Bible. And the things being said in the name of Christ. Is that nothing to speak of?

Matth 12:37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned…for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

 

[Dave F.]

Ephesians 2:8​

ESV For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
NIV For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
NASB For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
CSB For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—
NLT God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
KJV For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Even the faith to believe is a gift from GOD. The original question was whether or not accepting Jesus was a work. Confessing Jesus as Lord must come after acceptance for how can one confess unless they first accept? However it is by grace that we can have faith to believe and since it is by the grace of God is not a work of ours.

 

[Godhelpus]

I agree that we will stand in disagreement. I must say to you that in all my years I have never heard anyone take the position you have taken

I understand. But of course that doesn't make it wrong. All anyone needs to do is just show how my words from the Scriptures are flawed in their meaning, and I'll correct them. I learn from Scripture how to teach Scripture:

Neh 8:8So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense.

In a real sense, it's just grammatical comprehension, where we basically repeat back the words themselves. We let Christ teach His own book.

2Co 3:12Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

If we must confess the Lord Jesus with our mouth, then we must do something to be saved. Whether that can be called a work or not is a side issue. The plain thing is that we participate in our own salvation, by doing what the Lord says to do by grace, and be saved by Him.

although I would add here that the Catholic church teaches that going to confession is a work.

True. And confessing sins to a priest to be 'absolved', has nothing to do with confessing the Lord Jesus to be saved.

I guess my personal problem here is that I see NO way to understand how something said compares to something done.

You mean, when we confess something, are we 'doing' something? Well, the common and practical answer, is yes. "What is he doing over there?" "Talking to someone..." But, especially when we are giving testimony in court, we are certainly doing something. Otherwise, there wouldn't be any law against giving false testimony.

But, once again, we must turn to the Bible for God's word on such matters. His word is yes, we are doing something when speaking:

Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

The Scripture says we do things in word, as well as deed. Just simple grammar, you see?

I am going to say to you one more time that Grace is God giving us something we cannot earn or deserve.

And one more time I agree. And if grace to be saved includes confessing the Lord Jesus in word, then we are doing something by grace to be saved. Not something to be earned nor deserved nor bragged about.

Then according to Romans 11:6, “works” of any kind destroys grace.
The rub here is that a worker earns payment, while the recipient of grace simply receives it, unearned.
Faith, therefore, is a non-work. Faith cannot truly be considered a “work,” or else it would destroy grace.

Then obviously doing what the Lord says we must do, to be saved, is not a work of our own to be paid for, but rather a work of God that we do by His grace.

It's plain enough, that trying to make difference between confessing and doing something, is the wrong argument. Rather it should be about the difference between doing something of our own without Christ, or doing something of God through Christ. The difference to be made, is between man's work for pay or boasting, vs God's work to glorify Him alone.

IMHO, when I read and study the Word of God, it is quite clear that our own works/words do not help merit salvation.

Well, there you go. We agree. Just as with confessing sins to some priest, no one is talking about doing any or our own works or words. Those are the words and works, whether good or bad, righteous or unrighteous, charitable or covetous, that have no part in being saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

The Scripture simply forbids any word or deed man does without Christ, to have any part in being saved and justified with God.

This means Biblically that offering sacrifices, keeping the commandments, going to church, being baptized, speaking a word, work of any kind and other good deeds are incapable of saving anyone.

Then confessing the Lord Jesus does not save us? Or, will you now try to say confessing with the mouth is not 'speaking a word'?

Works of the flesh as seen in Gal. 6:19-21
"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, ;idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Now, I will allow you the last word on your opinion of words spoken.

Sure. I've shown it to you before: Impurity, strife, enmity, dissension, divisions are impure words of strife, enmity, etc.. Scripture calls those words works of the flesh.

1Co 15:33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

It's just a simple matter of grammar in Scripture.

Maybe there is Someone who else may be willing to spend time on this with you but I am not the one. It is simply a no brainer IMHO.

See ya on another topic down the road.

Ok, thanks for the time. It's not always about agreeing or disagreeing with someone, but learning something. And even in disagreement, an argument can be tested, tried, purified, and made even more accurate than before.

 

[BibleLover]

Pedantic engagements over different linguistic semantic applications of ambiguous concepts seldom prove productive, as this thread evidences.

 

[Major]

Pedantic engagements over different linguistic semantic applications of ambiguous concepts seldom prove productive, as this thread evidences.

Amen brother, which is why I am out of this one.

 

[Godhelpus]

How is this 'work' defined?

Biblically work is defined as anything we do, both in word and deed.

Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

However, the question is special to salvation, because works are also defined by who is doing them. God's works are done by Him, but His works can also be done by His faithful servants. In that case, God claims them as His own works, where He gets the glory, and not us:

Jhn 5:20For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

Jhn 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

And if indeed 'accepting Christ' is called work then do these people discount grace and faith less, or not at all - insignificant?

The question is not about accepting Christ as a work, but about confessing Him to be saved. Receiving Jesus Christ by faith is not a work. Confessing Jesus Lord with the mouth is what we do. And we do so to be saved, and so it's a work of salvation.

But, it's not a work we can boast of, nor a work of our own righteousness. It is the work of God we do by faith through Jesus Christ, whereby He saves us. So yes, it's a work we do, but can only do by the grace of God. It's His work of salvation, not our own.

The work of the Spirit of God in our lives to influence our walk to bear good fruits of the Spirit is all work, even though the focus and basis is of faith and the good graces of God. The work is the result of growing faith and grace...

Yes, now you have the grasp of how we can only do the works of God by the working of the Spirit within us, and so they are God's works to His glory, not our own:

Phl 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

The truth for all people, is that if we do the works of God, we live and abide with Him forever. And the only way to do so is by Jesus Christ:

Jhn 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

The error of the self-righteous, is that no man can work for God without His Son Jesus Christ living within us. That is the error of doing our own works of righteousness by our own will alone, which are filthy rags and unworthy of His Son:

Titus{3:3} For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another. {3:4} But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, {3:5} Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Good subject..thx

Yes, it is. Thanks too.

 

[Godhelpus]

Even the faith to believe is a gift from GOD. The original question was whether or not accepting Jesus was a work. Confessing Jesus as Lord must come after acceptance for how can one confess unless they first accept? However it is by grace that we can have faith to believe and since it is by the grace of God is not a work of ours.

Exactly. It's what we do in being saved, but not alone by our own will nor power.

Jhn 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

God gets all the glory by Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, and rose again for our justification. Now any one can be saved by receiving Jesus Christ and confessing Him Lord.

 

[drequeen]

I have come across a few people recently who claim that by making the choice for Jesus as their Saviour, they have in fact done a "work".

What are your thoughts?

I have not read any of the other replies, but I have never felt that my salvation was a result of any "work" done on my part. As a matter of fact, minutes after I was saved, I wept bitter when a feeling washed over me that I came empty handed, but was given everything. I felt completely unworthy of what He did.

I think this idea can be taken too far in the other direction as well. I've heard it said that "when God decides to save you, you'll be saved", as if we have no control in the matter. Luke 14:28 tells us "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it".

I'm not sure of the whole theology of the matter, but I believe we certainly do play some part in our salvation. We have to "count the costs", and come to a decision on how we're going to live the rest of our lives. I "counted the costs", and wasn't willing to give up my way of life until a year and a half ago (but bringing us to this process is a work of the Holy Spirit so I'm not discounting His role in this. But we still have to make the decision. God doesn't force His will on us).

Hopefully it's a simple error on the part of the individual that claims it's a "work" of their own. If they take it to the extent that they are taking credit, and seem to be proud of what they did, there may be a serious problem. Good question.

 

[Major]

I have not read any of the other replies, but I have never felt that my salvation was a result of any "work" done on my part. As a matter of fact, minutes after I was saved, I wept bitter when a feeling washed over me that I came empty handed, but was given everything. I felt completely unworthy of what He did.

I think this idea can be taken too far in the other direction as well. I've heard it said that "when God decides to save you, you'll be saved", as if we have no control in the matter. Luke 14:28 tells us "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it".

I'm not sure of the whole theology of the matter, but I believe we certainly do play some part in our salvation. We have to "count the costs", and come to a decision on how we're going to live the rest of our lives. I "counted the costs", and wasn't willing to give up my way of life until a year and a half ago (but bringing us to this process is a work of the Holy Spirit so I'm not discounting His role in this. But we still have to make the decision. God doesn't force His will on us).

Hopefully it's a simple error on the part of the individual that claims it's a "work" of their own. If they take it to the extent that they are taking credit, and seem to be proud of what they did, there may be a serious problem. Good question.

You said.........
"I'm not sure of the whole theology of the matter, but I believe we certainly do play some part in our salvation."

God bless you. I appreciate your post and thoughts. May I say to you that NO......we play NO part in the salvation experience.

It is solely the grace of God that enables the entire scope of our salvation. This is one of the implications of Paul’s words in Romans 8:29-30. I would love to talk to you about this Scripture but the rules of the site do not allow it, however YOU can do the homework for yourself and you will come to the conclusion that.........
"Those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

Our conformity to Christ is the purpose of God’s choosing and predestining us, and he alone is the one who brings it about. This is “definitive sanctification,” which John Frame calls a “once-for-all event, simultaneous with effectual calling and regeneration that transfers us from the sphere of sin to the sphere of God’s holiness”. Definitive sanctification is an act of God’s grace, not our effort, to which we contribute no virtue, but only receive by faith.
Source: Systematic Theology, 986.

Then consider that the faith we have to believe in Christ is also a gift from God.

 

[drequeen]

You said.........
"I'm not sure of the whole theology of the matter, but I believe we certainly do play some part in our salvation."

God bless you. I appreciate your post and thoughts. May I say to you that NO......we play NO part in the salvation experience.

It is solely the grace of God that enables the entire scope of our salvation. This is one of the implications of Paul’s words in Romans 8:29-30. I would love to talk to you about this Scripture but the rules of the site do not allow it, however YOU can do the homework for yourself and you will come to the conclusion that.........
"Those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

Our conformity to Christ is the purpose of God’s choosing and predestining us, and he alone is the one who brings it about. This is “definitive sanctification,” which John Frame calls a “once-for-all event, simultaneous with effectual calling and regeneration that transfers us from the sphere of sin to the sphere of God’s holiness”. Definitive sanctification is an act of God’s grace, not our effort, to which we contribute no virtue, but only receive by faith.
Source: Systematic Theology, 986.

Then consider that the faith we have to believe in Christ is also a gift from God.

I agree with your last post, no doubt. The only part, I believe, we play in our salvation is the decision we have to arrive at to abandon our old way of life (which is still, in fact, guided and directed by the Holy Spirit). Jesus "draws us" to Himself (John 6:44). Salvation can't preclude our free will to choose, though. Just as Adam and Eve had free will to sin, we have free will to accept or reject Christ.

 

[crossnote]

Just as Adam and Eve had free will to sin, we have free will to accept or reject Christ.

True, A&E had free will, but the unbeliever has free will to accept or reject Christ...?

Ephesians 2:1-2 KJV
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

John 8:34 NKJV
Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.

2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Although, I would agree, as believers, we (theoretically) have 'free will'.

 

[Major]

I agree with your last post, no doubt. The only part, I believe, we play in our salvation is the decision we have to arrive at to abandon our old way of life (which is still, in fact, guided and directed by the Holy Spirit). Jesus "draws us" to Himself (John 6:44). Salvation can't preclude our free will to choose, though. Just as Adam and Eve had free will to sin, we have free will to accept or reject Christ.

Agreed my friend.

 

[Major]

True, A&E had free will, but the unbeliever has free will to accept or reject Christ...?

Ephesians 2:1-2 KJV
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

John 8:34 NKJV
Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.

2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Although, I would agree, as believers, we (theoretically) have 'free will'.

May I say to you that the question you pose of whether the unbeliever has free will to accept or reject Christ is a complex theological topic.

That being said, we must remember that ALL individuals were at one time "unbelievers". This is coming real close to the doctrine of Predestination which we can not discuss.

 

[crossnote]

May I say to you that the question you pose of whether the unbeliever has free will to accept or reject Christ is a complex theological topic.

I was only answering an assertion.

That being said, we must remember that ALL individuals were at one time "unbelievers".

Yes, we were, ...but for the grace of God.

This is coming real close to the doctrine of Predestinatbion which we can not discuss.

Then let's just keep it in the realm of 'free will or no?'.

 

[Major]

I was only answering an assertion.

Yes, we were, ...but for the grace of God.

Then let's just keep it in the realm of 'free will or no?'.

OK.

God's knowing who will be saved does not infringe upon man's free will to be saved.

What we see in the Scriptures is the gospel being propagated to ALL people and not a selected few. We see the apostles begging anyone and everyone to “not harden their hearts” in Hebrews 3:15 and to “be reconciled to God” in 2 Corinthians 5:20.

Clearly, the freedom to choose lies with each individual, and the invitation to be saved is wide open.

 

[crossnote]

God's knowing who will be saved does not infringe upon man's free will to be saved.

Since I would have to resort to the biblical topic of predestination, and since it is a taboo topic, I will have to forfeit this discussion by default.
In the meantime, could you please address the verses I brought up in post 92?

 

[Major]

Since I would have to resort to the biblical topic of predestination, and since it is a taboo topic, I will have to forfeit this discussion by default.
In the meantime, could you please address the verses I brought up in post 92?

Ephesians 2:1-2 KJV
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

This is not a Scripture that some believers like to consider. ALL believers were "dead" in sin means that we were ALL lost. Yesterday, we as believers followed the directions of Satan and we were disobedient to the Word of God. We were influenced by our culture, and society
“Sons of disobedience” signifies that we were not just passive in our disobedience; we actively chose paths away from God.
IMHO....It is essential for us to recognize that each of us has the responsibility to be aware of how we live and the choices we make. Our actions can either align with God’s truth or, if we are not careful, align with the world that often profits from leading us astray.

John 8:34 NKJV
Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.

This is very easy and clear, Anyone who has sinned is a slave to sin. This statement reveals the profound truth about the nature of sin and its power over individuals. Sin, at its core, separates us from God, and when we indulge in sinful behavior, it creates a bondage that can feel inescapable. Jesus uses the word “slave” to illustrate how sin can dominate our lives, controlling our thoughts, actions, and even our relationships. In practical terms, sin can manifest in various forms—lying, sexual promiscuity, addiction, dishonesty, pride, stealing, any action or thought that goes against God’s design for our lives. When we engage in these behaviors repeatedly, they can lead to a cycle of guilt, shame, and brokenness, which keeps us ensnared. Many of us can probably recall a time when we felt trapped in a particular sin, realizing that we wanted to break free but found it nearly impossible. This is the reality of being a slave to sin.
I just 2 years ago had a couple come to talk with me. I had been their pastor and now he was a deacon. They confessed that he had a problem with pornography and it was just about to break up their marriage. He has actually become a slave to it.


2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.


The “veiled” mind of verse 3 was not due to the church preaching or methods. Instead, it had another source altogether.
The “god of his age” is Satan. He is the “prince of this world" and “the prince of the power of the air” . Satan is a “god,” a limited one subject to Almighty God. He blinds the lost to understanding the gospel. Satan dominates the “age” in which we live. However, he is not in complete control; that sovereignty belongs to God alone. Satan is not the God of the universe; he is a limited god of the era of fallen men. If people reject the light, they become victims of the darkness. I think that you realize that men sin because they like it!
That is the case becuase they are blinded.
Satan is “god” of this age because he has dominion over those who do not believe. He is in the active business of blunting the gospel. As a god, he has the power to control people. He takes them captive to do his will and He influences them to do his will.

Satan reigns in influence on culture today. It is a day of his philosophy, values, and priorities. There are two choices that we can make:
(1) to be enlightened by the gospel or
2) to be blinded by the values of the god of this world.

 

[crossnote]

Yesterday, we as believers followed the directions of Satan and we were disobedient to the Word of God. We were influenced by our culture, and society
“Sons of disobedience” signifies that we were not just passive in our disobedience; we actively chose paths away from God.
IMHO....It is essential for us to recognize that each of us has the responsibility to be aware of how we live and the choices we make. Our actions can either align with God’s truth or, if we are not careful, align with the world that often profits from leading us astray.

Yet it was God who quickened us.

This is very easy and clear, Anyone who has sinned is a slave to sin

Yes, and being a slave to sin which would also incorporate our will and that would negate free will.If one wanted to argue free wii, I would say our will is free to choose according to his/her nature, and the fallen person's nature is at enmity with God. (Rom 8:7)

The “veiled” mind of verse 3 was not due to the church preaching or methods. Instead, it had another source altogether.
The “god of his age” is Satan

Exactly!

Satan is a “god,” a limited one subject to Almighty God. He blinds the lost to understanding the gospel. Satan dominates the “age” in which we live. However, he is not in complete control; that sovereignty belongs to God alone. Satan is not the God of the universe; he is a limited god of the era of fallen men.

Yet, as a god satan vies for obedience and worship from individuals and as such he influences the wills and minds of people to such an extent that apart from the grace of God man would not be saved

 

[Major]

Yet it was God who quickened us.

Yes, and being a slave to sin which would also incorporate our will and that would negate free will.If one wanted to argue free wii, I would say our will is free to choose according to his/her nature, and the fallen person's nature is at enmity with God. (Rom 8:7)

Exactly!

Yet, as a god satan vies for obedience and worship from individuals and as such he influences the wills and minds of people to such an extent that apart from the grace of God man would not be saved

I agree 101 %.