By Grace Through Faith

The grace of God can not be earned. There is nothing that you can do that is so "good" to deserve it. No matter how much you stop doing and start to do, you are not deserving of it. Christ died for you and for me, so that we may live. He took on the form of sinful flesh so that we could be empowered to overcome sin through Him. It is because of grace and mercy that we are not consumed; God's mercy is new with each new day that He gives us (Lamentations 3:22-23).

We have access to this grace through our faith in Christ (Romans 5:2) and it is by this grace that we can be saved though our faith in Him (Ephesians 2:8). Our works cannot save us, but they should be a byproduct of our faith. Faith and works go hand in hand.

Now God's grace is not to be taken for granted and His grace does not mean that you and I have license to sin; but when wemake mistakes (Romans 3:23), grace is available. God knows that we are imperfect creatures as long as we are in these fleshly bodies and that we will make mistakes (Psalm 78:39).

In the book of Romans, Paul warned not to be deceived into thinking that the grace of God means that we may continue in sin (Romans 6:1-4). Our old man (our old ways, old way of thinking and fleshly desires) is crucified with Christ. In other words when we receive Christ, He changes our heart and our minds. We no longer desire the same things that we used to because we don't think the same; our whole outlook changes. No longer are we carried away with every desire and temptation, but because of the Spirit of God dwelling in us, we have the power to resist temptation and not fall victim to sin. Sin should not have control over us. (Romans 6:12)

Because of Christ's death and resurrection, you and I are freed from the Law. We are now able to live according to God's will because He has written His law upon our hearts. All we have to do is receive Him into our lives by way of confession and repentance and we are made righteous through Him and Him alone; not by our works!

Now this does not mean that the law isn't holy and good (Romans 7:12), it just means that the law in itself didn't have the power to make us abide by it. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and He will forgive us and cleanse us. Once this happens, we are no longer condemned because we are able to live according to the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

God, in sending His son, condemned sin in the flesh so that we are now able to meet the righteous requirement of the law by way of the Spirit (Romans 8:34)

Many today believe that their good deeds will get them into heaven. They think because they give of themselves through their time and money that they are "ok" with God. Well, my friend, I have news for you, even the most generous person we may know will not be saved if they continue living in sin.  The bible tells us that so many will prophecy in the name of Jesus and heal the sick in His name but will still not be able to enter into glory. Good works will not save you! These things must be an extension of who you are IN CHRIST.

Your life must be surrendered to God, living in full obedience to Him. Your goal should be to live a life that God is pleased with and my friend through this, you will produce the fruit of good works. The branches of a tree will bear what the tree bears, so if you are connected to the good tree (God), then your fruit will be evident.

Your focus should not be on works or the keeping of the law, but on CHRIST alone!