Holiness Before Works!
Today’s verses show the fact that our lives, including our works, must be rooted in Christ and His love. Jesus must be central, and from that relationship, works for others naturally flow as a response to His love and grace. Works done in the name of Jesus are a reflection of His character, not the means to earn His favor.
A Love Letter to Jesus
Dear Lord,
I gave You my life that You will be glorified through me, and I love You so much. Thank You for using me as Your servant, to obey You in all things. I lay down my life for You, for You come first in my life, in obedience to Your Will to go forward in whatever You call me for.
Love, Your faithful servant Marie
John 15:5
[Jesus said] “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.”
1 Peter 1:15-16
15-“But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16-Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
2 Timothy 2:21
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and met for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
Titus 2:14
Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
This verse emphasizes holiness is not only a requirement, but a foundation that precedes any good works in God’s sight. Good works flow from a relationship with Him, not as a means to earn favor, but as an expression of love, faith, and obedience to Him.
Ephesians 2:8-10
8-For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God;
9-Not of words, lest any man should boast.
10-For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good words, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.