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For proper spiritual growth, Christians must know the difference between works based on self-effort and works of faith. For Christ to have any impact in our lives, it is imperative that we refrain from trying to earn God’s approval the way the people did under Old-Testament law. Under the law, God’s ability to bless was based on man’s behavior; under grace, this is no longer true. Being righteous before God is now based on our faith in Jesus and in His works, not in ours.

For proper spiritual growth, Christians must know the difference between works based on self-effort and works of faith. For Christ to have any impact in our lives, it is imperative that we refrain from trying to earn God’s approval the way the people did under Old-Testament law. Under the law, God’s ability to bless was based on man’s behavior; under grace, this is no longer true. Being righteous before God is now based on our faith in Jesus and in His works, not in ours.

Faith is extremely important to God. He wants us to rest in the promises He made to us; this rest is only possible through genuine belief in what He said, with absolutely no doubt or unbelief. Believing Him keeps us from thinking that we must work hard to earn the right to enter into the place of rest He has already provided for us. Trusting in Jesus and in His finished works delivers us from self-effort.