In my previous note, “Add Nothing To It”, I propose that we add nothing to Christ’s redemptive work. And this is true — the death of our Lord on the cross satisfies God’s wrath completely.
However, although good deeds are worthless in our pursuit of God’s intimacy, He does ask us to “put on the new” and “put off the old.” “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5)
Remember, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15) “Christ Jesus displays His unlimited patience” to Paul, who calls himself “the worst of sinners” “as an example to those who would believe on [Jesus] and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15, 16)
Nothing Saul does prior to his conversion is of any importance in his salvation; nothing he does after changes his destiny as a child of God. His walk with the Lord nevertheless is pleasing to the Father; and certainly rewards await the renewed, obedient Paul.
Paul tells Timothy, “Fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience.” (1 Timothy 1:18-19)
Grace Partakers 