Two things you need to know about. 

1. Justification

2. Sanctification (transformation, life change)

Justification (the act of being saved) is made possible by Christ’s death and resurrection. Our only hope is in Jesus. Most people (Christians) believe this, and frankly, they love it. They don’t need to do anything for their salvation. Sweet!

And then comes Sanctifcation. It means you quit loving the world and love the Father. It means being transformed into the image of Christ. It means righteousness. It means holiness. It means letting go of your old sinful ways and embracing God’s life for you.

Sanctification is a life long, bloody, painful, hard process.

But it’s Christ’s process. He’s the Perfecter, not just the Author.

Everyone seems to love submitting to Christ for salvation (justification). But rarely do you see someone truly submit their life to Christ for sanctification (life change).

Here’s the scary part.

1 John 2:3,29
3 Here’s how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep his commandments.

29 Once you’re convinced that he is right and righteous, you’ll recognize that all who practice righteousness are God’s true children.

1 John, and really the entire Bible, state that fruit is everything. You will know if people truly know God by their fruit.

Not by what they say they believe. Not by church attendance. Not by whether they say they’re saved. Not by anything else.

You’ll know them by righteousness.

Christ is the author, AND the perfector of our faith.

Please, for the love of God, submit your life to Him and practice righteousness.

Quit getting drunk. Quit having premarital sex. Quit lying. Quit hating. Quit being judgemental. Quit being proud. Quit being selfish. Quit cheating.

Quit. And start being Christ.

The Bibles clear, but we get it fuzzy sometimes. You don’t have to ‘behave’ in order to be saved. However, if you’ve legitimately given your heart to Christ, His perfection of your life will follow. You will be moved into action and obedience (for the highest good) by His love.