I've talked to a lot of religious people over the years who believe that we're saved by faith alone, NOT by "law-keeping" or obedience. It's true that we can't earn our salvation, but there is a difference between works of merit (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5) and works of obedience.
True, biblical obedience is not rooted in arrogance, but in faith and humility. A person who obeys God in faith isn't earning God's favor in the least. Consider what the Scriptures say about this...
"For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in tents of wickedness" (Psalm 84:10).
"But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6).
"So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do'" (Luke 17:10).
"If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 15:14).
If a person believes that because they are religious, that they have a guaranteed mansion in heaven, or that God owes them salvation, they are full of arrogance and pride...and God will reject them. That's not obedience. That's not faith. That's snobbery.
But if a person understands that they have sinned and are in desperate need of God's mercy, and they humbly seek the salvation and blessings that are available to them because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and they eagerly submit to God's conditions of salvation...have they earned anything? Not at all. And they know it. Rather, they have made it clear by their actions that they need God and are willing to do whatever He says.
Which best describes you? Does God owe you, or do you owe God?
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