Love for God and Fulfilling the Law

[Motivated By Grace]

Yes, we are born again, are new creations IN CHRIST. In that new creation in Christ we are 100% righteous otherwise we could never "boldly approach the eternal throne". That we still have existence in the flesh means that temptation will continue to beset us, and that in the flesh we will continue to sin. But we are to count the flesh as dead. In our spirit, our new creation in Jesus, we are clothed in HIS righteousness. It's Jesus all the way. And if Jesus is acceptable to the Father and we are IN Jesus, then we, too are acceptable to the Father. That's what grace is all about. None of me, ALL of Jesus.

Amen, Miss Ruth... Well said...

[Vickilynn]

We are also released from trying to obey under our own power (external obedience). We have now been given thre resources to obey from the heart. We can be truly spiritually transformed, so that we not only try and copy what Jesus did, we actually become like Jesus. This the doing now comes out of being.

Many times I think we assume that we use the most grace when we are forgiven. But I think we actually use more when on a daily basis, we allow the Spirit of God to transform us into His likeness, so that obedience flows out of a changed nature.

Shalom Eric,

Yup.

BTW, I don't see anyone saying that we are to obey only externally. In fact, I believe I said just the opposite in my posts. The bottom line is, we are to obey, from the heart.

[Motivated By Grace]

The bottom line is, we are to obey, from the heart.

I do understand what you're saying Miss Vicki, and I wouldn't dis-agree with that for anything...

I would only like to add, for the purpose of maybe clarifying some fine lines in understanding, that "obeying from the heart" is not so much a "command" as it is a "desire" within the heart of the born again believer in Christ.

In other words, born again Christians will now obey (or attempt to obey) because they "want" to, and not because they "have" to. Born again believers in Christ are now "Motivated By Grace" in all that they try to learn and do (Titus 2:11-14) .

Edited June 7, 2007 by Motivated By Grace

[Motivated By Grace]

What did Jesus say was the first and greatest commandment?

Deuteronomy 6:5

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

So, how do we "love the LORD"?

John 14:15

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

1 John 5:3a

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments

And what commandments are being referred to?

Minnow? You've asked alot of interesting questions. Please edure me as I slowly catch up on this thread and others. My time is somewhat limited through the week...

But in answer to: "And what commandments are being referred to?"

Jesus didn't give us but two commandments under the New Covenant., and they were both matters of a transformed heart in the born again believer. He was identifying the new "desire" within the hearts of those that have accepted HIM as their Savior!

Edited June 7, 2007 by Motivated By Grace