[Jerry_M]

" We need to give up self-determination and submit to God."

How will we ever do that in light of the Scriptures I presented in 169?

While I agree with you that you have described what man needs to do, how will he do it unless he is "born again", unless he is given a new heart by God's Holy Spirit? Then, and only then, will he do as Jesus commands, which is If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

[DouglasKC]

" We need to give up self-determination and submit to God."
How will we ever do that in light of the Scriptures I presented in 169?
While I agree with you that you have described what man needs to do, how will he do it unless he is "born again", unless he is given a new heart by God's Holy Spirit? Then, and only then, will he do as Jesus commands, which is If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

Isn't that what I'm saying? It's interesting that Christ doesn't say "If any man will come after me, let me make him come after me and and I will will make him take up his cross daily and I will make him follow me."