Can one save oneself?
Introduction. "And with many other words did he testify and exhort," written of Peter, "saying save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2: 40 KJV). It is obvious from this reading one can save oneself. However, some contend the resident verb intention is passive and not active. Hence, they insist on the translation: "...allow yourselves to be saved." While technically the verb tense in Acts 2: 40 is passive, the context indicates an active rendering (they wanted to know what they had to do to be saved, vss. 37).
One cannot save oneself by meriting salvation. The scriptures irrefutably teach the impossibility of man meriting his own salvation. Paul wrote, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us..." (Tit. 3: 5). If one can save oneself, in this sense, Jesus' death was unnecessary (Rom. 5).
One must save oneself. This may appear contradictory, however, there is no contradiction. Jesus is the author of salvation unto all who obey him (Heb. 5: 8, 9). Obedience requires action on man's part. This action on man's part, obedience, is man's responsibility to save himself (Acts 2: 37-41). However, man cannot by his own virtue and merit save himself. Man's salvation does not originate with man - in final ability and efficacy.
Conclusion. Paul worded it this way, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2: 8, 9). Grace is God's part; faith is man's part. However, even faith requires effort (Rom. 10: 17). Faith itself is a work (John 6: 29). Nonetheless, faith is not a matter for boasting on man's part. Faith itself is active in appropriating God's gift - salvation (Jas. 2: 14-26). Hence, the answer to the question is a qualified "yes".
One cannot save oneself by meriting salvation. The scriptures irrefutably teach the impossibility of man meriting his own salvation. Paul wrote, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us..." (Tit. 3: 5). If one can save oneself, in this sense, Jesus' death was unnecessary (Rom. 5).
One must save oneself. This may appear contradictory, however, there is no contradiction. Jesus is the author of salvation unto all who obey him (Heb. 5: 8, 9). Obedience requires action on man's part. This action on man's part, obedience, is man's responsibility to save himself (Acts 2: 37-41). However, man cannot by his own virtue and merit save himself. Man's salvation does not originate with man - in final ability and efficacy.
Conclusion. Paul worded it this way, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2: 8, 9). Grace is God's part; faith is man's part. However, even faith requires effort (Rom. 10: 17). Faith itself is a work (John 6: 29). Nonetheless, faith is not a matter for boasting on man's part. Faith itself is active in appropriating God's gift - salvation (Jas. 2: 14-26). Hence, the answer to the question is a qualified "yes".