Thank God my salvation does not depend on my ability (or inability) to do anything, but only upon the finished work of Christ upon the cross.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)... For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." -- Ephesians 2:1;4-5;8-10"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins...
"For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?" -- 1 Corinthians 4:7
God's love opens the gates of heaven to us. But we have to walk the narrow road to enter into the Kingdom.
"The nature of the Divine goodness is not only to open to those who knock, but also to cause them to knock and ask." -- AUGUSTINE
Me too!
"I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" Gal 2:20
As I have labored to express, we must keep two truths in mind. First, we can do nothing pleasing to God without God's grace. And second, God expects a response, one of love and obedience to His commandments. YOU will be judged based on how you respond to God's gifts. Naturally, this can only be accomplished by Christ living in us - as we can do nothing without the "vine"
I ask you to meditate on both of these truths expressed in the following verses:
"work out your own saving health with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure" Phil 2:12b-13
Regards