Grace, Part I

Jesus has solidified our righteousness once and for all on the cross. There is no more law and there is no way to sin against a set of laws already fulfilled by Jesus for we are not of this world but are dead to this world and the law. This righteousness is given to us freely. All we have to do is accept it and receive this free gift by believing in God's testimony concerning his Son Jesus Christ. Jesus took the punishment of all the sins committed against the law (up to that point) and paid the price for sin in our stead or in our place. Thereby, putting an end to the law and an end to sin forever.

As Christians the law is still important because it teaches us God's ways. We still hold to obedience because Christ did not go to the cross so we could be sinners but instead holy and set apart. Through the spirit and heart of His laws we see His honesty, faithfulness, integrity, and love.  One of the most important teachings of Jesus is in The Gospel of John and it explains the motive for obedience to God's law. Again, not to be saved or made worthy by doing what is right but instead to love and honor God and each other. Jesus already took care of the "worth" part and the "saved" part. Your character is no longer on trial. Instead your heart and your love for God is what we are truly judged by.

If there be any disobedience in your life, it doesn't mean you are bad person or worthless. Instead, it is evidence of a broken relationship with God and not putting Him first place. Return to Him, for it is written, "because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail".

John 14:23-24

23Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

John 15:9-17

 9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.