I am well-versed in doctrine and can tell which side believes what. I am a Calvinist and can only speak for myself. I have disagreements with every person in some areas, but I do not make decisions based on emotion or feeling. I observe the doctrinal position and it is enough to understand what a person does by practice. No one can deny himself on his own. He must be given the ability by God. No one comes into the Christian life with an understanding of self denial. He must be drawn by God to a rest that is uncommon.The rest that God offers cannot be replicated elsewhere; it can only be accessed through the Word and the Holy Spirit. This rest is not available to anyone who is burdened by worry, anxiety, fear, and sorrow. I am not saying that these negative emotions never appear, but rather that someone who is struggling with doubt will also struggle with self-denial. However, anyone who is confident in God's love will be able to rise above self-denial, just as someone who climbs a rock. Remember, though, that self-denial cannot be accomplished through human strength alone.First, because no one is able to access the spiritual drug of peace on his own, we must use medication to achieve rest. However, this is only a partial remedy. When we rest, we experience peace that is past our understanding. The Christian life is not simply a change in doing, but rather its being transformed by word and Spirit. We must have a transformed mind, because the mind controls the heart. Some of the most obnoxious people have trained themselves to live their lives according to a list of things. If they accomplish that list, then they believe God likes them. If they fail, then they believe God is angry at them. This list-based approach is not self-denial. Self-denial is finding God's rest.The idea of salvation as a gift from God is central to many religions. This gift of salvation is not a warning to those who seek it, but only to those who do not understand or know they have it. How foolish it would be to condemn oneself if one is aware of their sin. Even if one is aware of their sin because it was taught to them, it is still in their best interest to apply grace to themselves. If you are always troubled by a lack of assurance, there will be no hope of self denial.If you do not change your ways, you will only end up fighting against yourself. You have not yet accepted the true Christian lifestyle and are instead still trying to live according to your own terms. This goes against self-denial, which is an important part of the Christian lifestyle. God will turn your life upside down if you do not change your ways. NO ONE can be saved by their own self-denial and NO ONE can keep their salvation by their own self-denial.