Rom 4:3-5 (NIV) What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God Who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

So, as this Scripture is pointing out, we are not doing perfect deeds. We are getting perfection credited to our account. We believe in the saving power of Jesus and God credits PERFECTION to our account. That does away with human effort (works). However, many Christians aren’t being taught about God effort (good works). Eph 2:8-9 (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. We read, quote, preach on, and try to live by these two verses and neglect the very next one.

Eph 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do GOOD WORKS, which God prepared in advance for us to DO.

Jesus asks us this question: Luke 6:46 (NIV) “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not DO what I say?” Then He tells us that we have to do three things in order to live the victorious Christian life. Luke 6:47 (NIV) I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and puts them into practice.

He ends His ministry on this earth with this same concept: Mat 28:20 (NIV) And teaching them to OBEY everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. He isn’t leaving us on our own to TRY to live the victorious Christian life and do His ministry. He is ready to ALWAYS be there to live life and do ministry WITH us.