Question: “Blessings. Ok. I understand everything about salvation without works. I even read the book ” I never knew you” excellent book by the way! But what happens after salvation? How should I live then? If is not by good deeds or good works how can I advance my spiritual growing and maturity?
Thanks.”
Answer:
Thank you for your question and for your patience. Your understanding of salvation is correct. Salvation is not achieved by an individual’s good works or merit. Instead, salvation is received by a sinner placing their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ for the payment of their sins. This immediately places the sinner into the family of God as His child, forensically justifies them before God, reconciles them to God, and forgives them of all their sins of which could not be done by the law (cf. Galatians 4:5, Romans 3:23-28 2 Corinthians 5:18, Acts 13:38-39). However, the Christian life is best described as an ongoing walk with the Lord which yields rewards or consequences.
Good works are signs of obedience and maturity in the believers life. There are many passages in the New Testament that warn believers of their sinful behavior and the consequences that follow. These warnings exist because the believer will come upon temptation to live a life which does not reflect their true standing before God in Jesus Christ. Good works is what grace teaches the believer (cf. Titus 2:11-12, Ephesians 2:10 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, Romans 12:1-2). The Christian life is the believer walking in their new nature, which is made known unto others by maintaining good works. This does not impact salvation or prove that a believers salvation is authentic. Salvation is completed at the moment of belief (cf. Ephesians 1:13-14).
I pray this answers your question.