Living by the Grace of God

[StanleyTruelove]

I read where many on this board talk about their church supporting grace rather than the law, yet I continue to see churches in my area that are obsessed with righteous living in their own strength.  Just this past Sunday, the pastor said from the pulpit, "If you live right, God will do you right."  I consider this borderline heresy according to Galatians. 

God's love, grace, or providence is not based on my actions, it's despite my actions.  I'm not talking about consequences to my actions, just God's grace regarding my choices.  It's only His grace that I haven't done things that leave deep permanent marks on my testimony.

Are there others that wish to add (or subtract) from this comment?

[Alastair]

If one has truly accepted Jesus as there Lord and Savour then one will try to live as right as possible (Even though we all stumble anyway and have plenty of not so Christlike baggage)   if your pastor was a mormon then I would understand.  Living right has nothing to do with salvation but more an action we take when accepting Jesus.     However  some may say:  I accept Jesus at a seminar or whatever,But yet live there life in the complete opposite direction. 

Not that its necessary for salvation, But that its an example, a witness to yourself and others that you are trying to live a good life for Jesus.   

I believe that the lord will reward me with special gifts,talents etc if I choose to use them.  In some cases he may even drop me in the deep end.     I cannot believe that people can go against god while knowing who God is and still be saved.     I don,t mean trials we have in life that we repent of or try to overcome. By there fruits ye shall know them

[canuck]

The grace of God does preclude His chastisement when the believer walks according to the flesh and not according to the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus ( see Rom. 8:2,14).
Gal. 6:7 states, " Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
Judging by some of the comments in other forums, one might begin to think that Christians are excluded from the sorry results of sin when it is clear from Hebrews 12 that one hallmark of the true Christian is to receive the grace of God in the form of correction. I recall well that Divine chastisement can be quite harsh, depending on the obstinacy of the rebellious child. I took some time to learn certain lessons and am still learning...

canuck