Grace is all about resting in the finished works of Christ and producing good works.
A gracious life is a life of fruitfulness (Phil 1:11)
It is a call unto holiness*[[1Th 4:3]] KJV* For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
*[[1Th 4:4]] KJV* That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
In fact, grace keeps teaching us to deny worldly lusts of all forms, and to live RIGHTEOUSLY in this present world (Titus 2:11)
So grace, although infinitely lenient, is not a breeder of immorality. No! No way!
But there's one thing people always do not notice about grace, which distinguish it from the law. In the law, you're required to DO those things because of your account with God.
But in grace, your account with God has been permanently settled, therefore, the essence is now your account with men.
With men ONLY.
Let me repeat myself: doing good, living morally upright, integrity, good character,not lying, being faithful to one's spouse, being truthful at all times, being content in all things... All these IN GRACE, is not to "please" or win God's favour, or maintain your relationship with God. No! You are not called to maintain your relationship with God by your efforts, it is to be maintained by faith! Effortlessly!
Do you believe in righteousness by faith? What is righteousness? A right relationship with God. *[[2Co 5:21]] BBE* For him who had no knowledge of sin God made to be sin for us; so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
To have righteousness through Christ means to have a maintained relationship through Him!
But in grace, your account with God has been permanently settled, therefore, the essence is now your account with men.
With men ONLY.
Let me repeat myself: doing good, living morally upright, integrity, good character,not lying, being faithful to one's spouse, being truthful at all times, being content in all things... All these IN GRACE, is not to "please" or win God's favour, or maintain your relationship with God. No! You are not called to maintain your relationship with God by your efforts, it is to be maintained by faith! Effortlessly!
Do you believe in righteousness by faith? What is righteousness? A right relationship with God. *[[2Co 5:21]] BBE* For him who had no knowledge of sin God made to be sin for us; so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
To have righteousness through Christ means to have a maintained relationship through Him!
Perhaps you've not noticed when checking scriptures that talk of the importance of living morally in Grace, that the "in order to please God" side is always removed.
*[[Mat 5:16]] KJV* Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Notice the word "before men". You're not trying to shine holiness to attract or impress God, no. It's purely for men to see.
*[[Tit 3:8]] KJV* This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto MEN.
Good works are profitable unto men!
*[[Tit 3:1]] KJV* Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
*[[Tit 3:2]] KJV* To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
*[[Tit 3:2]] KJV* To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
He didn't say you should show your meekness and gentleness unto God. God does not need it. He implanted a meek Spirit in you, so He can't be surprised you're meek. It's for men and perhaps your earthly pastors, and mentors to be "sure" you're saved.
I quickly say it again,
Fruits are for show unto men
You don't prove to God that you are genuinely saved. That's funny to try to so do. He did the saving for you, your hearts are not hidden before Him. So why do you want to let Him know you're a good man? How come He will need you go through tests and trials to "be sure" your love is sincere and that you're a faithful son? Why prove your salvation to convince Him that saved you? It's men that needs to see the change and shout "wow, it's a miracle"
Fruits are for show unto men
You don't prove to God that you are genuinely saved. That's funny to try to so do. He did the saving for you, your hearts are not hidden before Him. So why do you want to let Him know you're a good man? How come He will need you go through tests and trials to "be sure" your love is sincere and that you're a faithful son? Why prove your salvation to convince Him that saved you? It's men that needs to see the change and shout "wow, it's a miracle"
*[[Gal 5:4]] KJV* Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
So, Jesus settled the vertical relationship for us: so our gratitude for this will be seen in our moral horizontal relationship.
*[[Eph 2:14]] KJV* For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Closing with this verse:
*[[Tit 3:8]] KJV* This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
*[[Tit 3:8]] KJV* This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Good works are essential. Jesus already knows He is in you: but please let others SEE the Jesus in you
