Performance In Christianity series
Not By Works
Works are born out of your belief; not works for your belief. Works are not a motivation for God; works are born out of your faith in Jesus Christ. Works bring rewards, not salvation. Yes, we need works, because works are measurable and can be evaluated and assessed for value and worth.
The narrative of King David in 2 Samuel 24:18-25, that he would not give God anything that did not cost him something. He had to make an effort that quantified his remorse for his self-inflicted nonsense. Araunah was willing to give David whatever he needed out of respect, but in respect of God, David paid him full price for the opportunity to repent to God where he was.
Understand the character and nature of God; in 2 Kings 1:10-14, God proved Elijah to be a man of God and sent down fire and killed 102 men; but in Luke 9:53-57, the disciples got rebuked for asking Jesus approval to act like Elijah, because that was not the objective of Grace. To know God, is to study Him and His Word and how He does things according to His established Will.
2 Peter 1:3
According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
The God of gods, Elohei Haelohim (Deuteronomy 10:17), we thank You for Your divine power given unto us. We praise You for the faith to embrace the things that pertain to Life and Godliness wherein we work. We decree and declare blessings upon those who through Knowledge of You has called us to Glory and Virtue, so that; with by the Works of Faith we step into the Power and Grace of Your Word. Now, for the Kingdom and the Glory of God; we petition, with anointing in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, Amen.