Doing, doing, doing . . . Even after 46 years as a Christian, there are still times when I find myself trying to please God by my good behavior. It is a constant battle to remember, “I could never find God’s favor by trying—and failing—to obey the laws. . . Acceptance with God comes by believing in Christ.” (Galatians 2:19)
James 2:26 says faith without works is dead. This is true. However, James is explaining that people should demonstrate the evidence of their faith—their trust in and love of God should motivate how they behave.
Unfortunately, like many others, I have often gotten that switched around in my thinking and have tried to muster up faith by doing good things. Just as faith without works is dead, so works without faith is dead.
In Galatians 2:21 Paul reminds us, “If we could be saved by keeping laws, then there was no need for Christ to die.”
The truth is, we can’t. No matter how hard we try, we can’t keep God’s laws. All we must do is look at the Ten Commandments to see evidence of this truth. Who among us has kept ALL these laws of God? Who has put God ahead of everything else in life? Who has never lied nor wanted what others have? Who has always kept Sunday as a holy day? Who always respected and obeyed their parents? None of us!
“If we could be saved by keeping laws, then there was no need for Christ to die.”
Though it’s hard to believe, despite our disobedience to Him, God still loves us and wants to have a relationship with us! So, He made a way for us to be forgiven, a way for us to please Him.
“Acceptance with God comes by believing in Christ.”
Just believe. Believe that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross as payment for our sins. That’s all it takes to be accepted by God. Then HE will begin working through us, not us trying to work our way to Him.
Be encouraged!
©2023 Pamela D. Williams.
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