"Every good and every perfect gift is from above." --- James 1:17.
Reader, it is a point of greatest importance for thee to know that every evil thing is of thyself, and every good thing of God; without faith we cannot be saved: but, saith St. Paul, Ephesians 2:8, "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."
We are called upon to repent; but in Acts 5:31, we read that Christ is exalted at the Father's right hand, to be a "Prince and Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel." We must be born again; but regeneration is wholly of God's will: "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:13.
Saving knowledge is likewise the gift of God: "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 13:1. Effectual calling is also of God's grace, 2 Timothy 1:9.
Justification is of God's grace; we are justified freely. Adoption is also an act of grace; he vouchsafes that high privilege, not in common to all, but only to so many as he pleaseth. Perseverance in duty is also God's gift; for we "are kept by the power of God unto salvation." Eternal life is also a gift; for "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ." A right knowledge of these things, reader, will keep thee humble and dependant upon God; and not only dispose thee to give him the glory of his grace, but to seek him diligently for it.
Whate'er I have, or may possess,
It flows from God above;
Come from his bounty and grace,
And undeserved love.