When we, as proponents of Total Depravity—myself included, along with others like TB and STP—discuss the implications of this doctrine, KK diverges significantly in his understanding. He posits that faith is an intrinsic gift within humanity that operates in tandem with God's will. However, his explanation of this concept comes across as somewhat unorthodox and contradictory. He suggests that while God grants us the freedom to make choices, He does not actually dictate the choices we make. This idea of "allowance" seems to imply a sort of Christian version of chance, where human agency is emphasized. Yet, in the very same breath, KK claims that God empowers us to perform all that is good. This duality in his reasoning leaves me somewhat perplexed, and I find myself grappling with the implications of his assertions. How can we have genuine freedom of choice while simultaneously being empowered by God to do good? The apparent contradiction raises questions about the nature of divine sovereignty and human agency, and I am still working to fully comprehend the nuances of his argument.

My perspective on faith can be characterized as passive, which, in turn, serves as a denial of what is often referred to as KKS contradiction. When I assert that God empowers us, I am expressing the belief that He is the ultimate force behind everything that occurs in the universe. This means that God not only has the authority but also the capability to determine every event and outcome that transpires. However, it is important to recognize that power, in and of itself, is inherently meaningless if it is not accompanied by the will to enact and direct that power towards a specific purpose. When we engage in this kind of behavior, we often do so with an underlying motivation of seeking a return or reward for our efforts, which can skew our perception of faith and the nature of our relationship with God. In essence, my acknowledgment of God's power is not merely an acceptance of His omnipotence; it is a recognition that true empowerment comes from a willingness to submit to His will and to act in accordance with His divine purpose, rather than from a desire for personal gain or recognition. This transformative understanding shifts our approach to faith from one of mere passive acceptance to an active engagement with the divine, allowing us to truly experience the fullness of His power in our lives.

However, this self-reliance is ultimately futile when measured against the omnipotent power of God. Our own strength and abilities pale in comparison to the vastness of His capability. It is through the acknowledgment of God's supremacy that we come to understand our place in the grand scheme of creation. We recognize God not only as the creator and sustainer of all things but also as the one who actively works within the lives of believers to bring about His divine purposes. In this light, it becomes clear that any good we may accomplish is not a result of our own efforts, but rather a reflection of God’s grace and power working through us. Therefore, it is God alone who rightfully deserves all the glory for the transformations that occur within us and in the world around us. By relinquishing our misguided belief in our own abilities and instead acknowledging God’s sovereignty, we align ourselves with His will and open ourselves to the fullness of His blessings. Ultimately, it is this recognition that leads to a deeper faith and a more profound experience of God’s love and grace in our lives. The teachings of the Bible provide profound insights into the relationship between humanity and the divine, particularly regarding the ability of a Christian to respond to God’s call. According to biblical principles, a Christian cannot genuinely respond to God unless it is within God’s divine will and purpose for that individual to do so. This perspective emphasizes the sovereignty of God, asserting that His power is not only supreme but also fully capable of guiding and sustaining believers in their spiritual journeys, even in the face of temptation and moral challenges. It is essential to recognize that God alone possesses the authority to determine the choices we make and the paths we follow. This reality often poses a significant challenge for many of us, as we tend to operate under the illusion of autonomy—believing that we have the inherent ability to choose and act independently of divine influence. In truth, our natural inclinations often lead us to act in ways that we perceive to be in our best interest, driven by our desires and ambitions.

This understanding leads us to accept that God alone possesses the power to shape our lives and circumstances, which, in turn, fosters a deep sense of reliance on Him. When we recognize our utter dependence on God, we naturally begin to entrust our lives into His capable hands. This dependency is not just beneficial; it is absolutely essential for our salvation. It is crucial that we comprehend reliance on God as a central theme in cultivating an authentic Christian character. After all, the source of our spiritual distress often stems from our struggle against accepting the peaceful sovereignty of God—allowing Him to be God in our lives. Embracing this truth is key to experiencing the true rest that comes from aligning our hearts with His divine will.