OK, I will get back to you on that when I have more time. There are four scriptures I want to ask you about. One is when Jesus said to one who had healed the sick and cast out demons in His name, “I do not know you”. Another has to do with Paul finishing the race. Essentially, why do we need to develop a relationship with Christ if eternal life with God is already assured?
Simple..He asks that we do.
Our 'salvation' does not depend on the degree in which we have a relationship with Him but on His "finished work" on Calvary.
He offers salvation freely given to those who accept it. The old nature does not become inactive in us...rather His nature now makes it possible to love and serve Him as He asks, where before we could not please Him by any effort of our own...nor can we now...it is Christ living His life thru us as we yield those areas He determines need to be.
We can and do all get hung up on our own righteousness when in fact we have none apart from the works He does thru us. It is His works from start to finish...not ours..not ever.
Well, when you get married, you want to develop a deeper relationship with your husband or wife, right?
Cause basically, once you're married it's (supposed to be) a done deal. You have all the benefits of being married available to you and you're not going to take them?
Entering a relationship with God is not like winning the lottery, only for the end prize. God is all about relationship.
Growing in that is the best part of the Christian life.