The most important thing to emphasize is that we now live under grace. What this means is that the salvation we receive through Jesus Christ is completely independent of our deeds. Putting it simply, salvation comes purely and only from the Lord. No matter how many good deeds with do, it cannot save us. It is only by the blood of Jesus that was shed for us that we may receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Grace, however, is not a ticket which allows us to be disobedient to God and keep on deliberately sinning thinking that He will forgive us on the day of Judgment.
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder." (James 2:14-19)
Anyone can believe in Jesus Christ. Congratulations...but so does Satan! It is only through Christ that we are saved. 'Good deeds', however, will automatically stem from a person's life if their faith is genuine. Think about it, if we proclaim to be Christians and still continue to willfully live a sinful life, how can such faith be shared with others so that they too may come to know Christ? Can a person living in darkness pull someone else that is also in the darkness into the light? It is impossible for the blind to lead the blind! Putting it simply, all words/theory and no action is DEAD faith!
My dear brothers and sisters, genuine faith comes from more than just 'believing' in God. As the process of sanctification begins when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior in our lives, The Lord guides us on how to live our lives through His Word and His Holy Spirit given to us. As Salt and Light on this earth, our lifestyle is one that glorifies our God. We would have the fruits of the Spirit evident in our lives including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
If our faith was one without these fruits evident, wouldn't our faith be as good as dead?! The non believers would certainly not look to Jesus if that was what a Christian was like! My dear brothers and sisters, what type of faith do you have? Is it one that would be able to show others the path that leads to eternal life or one that is fruitless.
My friends, do not be a 'Christian' that has the mindset of just believing in Jesus and having no desire to live to please God. It's no good to have such thinking, "Oh I believe in Jesus so I'm saved, I'll just worry about my own life and live comfortably minding my own business." Rather, be a genuine Christian that actively seeks the Lord and wholehearted willing to serve Him and do His business! If you feel that your relationship with God in the past has been stagnant but now have an earnest desire to come back to Him, examine yourself, confess and repent of any sin, then ask the Holy Spirit to help you as you carry your cross, read and meditate on His Word daily, ask Him to grant you opportunities to serve Him and live your life fruitfully for Him in whatever situation/opportunity you are placed in. With such mindset and desire, the Lord will surely grant you such opportunities to serve Him, whether it may be in your workplace, going out with your friends, at home, at school/college/uni etc. Expect to see God work through you to touch others as you live your life for Him. Amen!
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