"Salvation is of the LORD." -Jonah 2:9

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." -II Timothy 3:5 [KJV] St. Paul says, The gospel is the power of God (Romans 1:16,) and, Christ is the power of God (I Corinthians 1:24.) and, that our faith standeth in the power of God (I Corinthians 2:5.) Hence it is plain, that godliness is of a powerful nature upon the soul. It consists not in form and shadow, not in notion and speculation, but in the real enjoyment of Christ in the heart, and in an experimental knowledge of the grace of the gospel, through faith. It is the grand concern of every living and lively member of Christ, to enjoy more of the light, life, liberty, and power of Christ and His gospel.  While those who have only the form of godliness, are content in their heads—are clear in the notion of divine truths—if they can but see a harmony and consistency in the plan of salvation—give good account of the doctrines of grace—talk fluently about them, and con...

" People who experience little sense of personal wickedness at the time (of their original conversion experience, coming to Christ) often become increasingly conscious of unworthiness as they mature in their Christian life.  It is a growing experience.  Paul began as the “least of the apostles,” though an important individual because an apostle (I Corinthians 15.9) .  Later he described himself as the “least of all the saints” (Ephesians 3.8) , yet, as a saint, enormously privileged.  But finally he had to confess himself the chiefest of sinners (I Timothy 1.15)." -preacher Arthur Custance