“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10
You are saved (or will become saved) by the love of God. There is no human works involved in this divine action. God made a decision before you were born that you would live with Him forever and participate in His goodness.
This precious event of salvation takes place when you hear the Word of God and accept it by faith. This gift of God has nothing to do with your efforts. It was accomplished by the work of God when He died for you.
You really cannot take credit for anything relating to your journey with God. At the moment you make a commitment to God, He starts a process to change you into a Christlike creature. This refining work touches every part of you–heart, emotions, and mind. It is a transition from a human being living for self to a godly creature equipped with the ability to do the works of God.
You can’t be an effective worker for God until you have been prepared by the Spirit of God. The surgical hand of God will create a man or woman with the purity and virtues of Jesus.
The work of God is unconscious and takes time. The process of dying for self and learning to live for God won’t happen overnight. It is a lifelong procedure.
Jesus wants you to be a powerful light for Him reflecting all His qualities-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self control. You can only do this if you are one with God through His Spirit. This can be accomplished by diligent prayer, mediating on His Word, and leading a life built on trust in God. Most importantly, be obedient to the voice of God!
The spiritual man understands the works of God and the good things in his life do not come from his own efforts and he gives all the glory to God!
Hal Hollister Ministry 