Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Ephesians 2:4-5 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;)

Indeed we have seen that, OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF THE MASTER IS A REQUIREMENT FOR THE CHILD OF GOD WHO HAS BELIEVED IN JESUS. This is what qualifies one to be  TRUE DISCIPLE OF CHRIST.

A friend asked me, “Are you not preaching SALVATION BY WORKS when you add OBEDIENCE to the salvation equation?” No, we are not. SALVATION IS BY GRACE ALONE THROUGH FAITH. And no man can add anything to it. GRACE DID IT ALL – For even with OBEDIENCE, IT IS GOD WHO EMPOWERS US TO OBEY, AND NOT WE OURSELVES.

The Amplified says,

[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Philippians 2:13 AMPC

So you see, It’s GOD all along – It’s purely by Grace. This is how you would learn the difference between  Dead Works, and Lively Works. One is produced from your self and your efforts and it always ends in futility, disappointment and death; the other is produced by God at work in you through GRACE. The secret ingredient to a victorious Christian life is how well you understand this mystery.

Read, this lovely poem by John Berridge the Puritan, maybe you would love it as much as I do:

Run, John, run, the law commands

But gives us neither feet nor hands

Far better news the gospel brings:

It bids us fly, and gives us wings..

                 GRACEFUL MORNING