Allow Me To Clarify. . .

This post is written somewhat (completely) because I looked back at my previous post called "Saved" and became more aware of the fact that I didn't convey the message I had intended to. Or at least not very well.

I probably don't often spend as much time as I ought to when writing out these posts. I apologize, and hope to be more careful with my words.

I re-read the aforementioned post and realized that, because it is titled "Saved", it would be easy for one of you lovely readers (yes, lovely) to think I was associating works with salvation. I wasn't. I do not believe any good can come from our own accord before we know God. Nor do I think that once saved any good can come from us. All good is from God. Period. Check out Mark 10:18. Or Romans 7:19, or James 2:10 or loads of other passages that I encourage you to look up if you still think good can come from any of your own actions. We can do "good" because we are made in His image, but good that stems from us is tainted by us, only good that comes from the Spirit is perfect.

Those who believe their faith demands actions, or works as they are called in the Bible, will always lack certainty in their standing before God. If salvation requires even the smallest amount of works of righteousness than no man can be saved but a perfectly righteous man. Salvation is completely the gift of God to undeserving sinners.

Salvation is not something to work toward. Salvation is not the end result of works, works is the end result of salvation. A Christian has no need to strive for a salvation that is assuredly attained through belief. Believe is the condition. Read Romans 4-5.

Working for salvation disqualifies the worker from attaining salvation. "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." ~Romans 4:5 [emphasis added]

Works come after salvation. Not because it is mandatory, but because it is natural. Once one is a part of the Vine can he help but bear fruit? (Matthew 7:16-18)

We love God because He first loves us, we try to please Him and find that, in doing so, is the greatest pleasure. (Psalm 34:8)

What was I saying about all the judgement coming for believers, you may ask.

We can grieve the Spirit. "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." ~Ephesians 4:30

We can limit God. "Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel." ~Psalm 78:41

God is all powerful. He can do what ever He wills. Yet in His sovereignty He gave us free will. He gives us choice.

I was saying this, we should choose to do good. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." ~James 4:17

But that doesn't mean putting on a facade of goodness and obedience. Righteousness doesn't start on the outside and work inward. It is first a hidden inward thing of the heart that grows until it is manifested in outward actions.

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous" ~1 John 5:3