Recently I have been asked some questions:
What does it mean to carry our cross?
Are we really saved by faith or are we saved through our works?
We all have our own lusts and desires, our needs and wants. The question is, “Will you follow me?” Are we going to be self-centered or God-centered. Matthew says, “Seek ye the kingdom of God and these things will be added.” We seek God’s will first and God will take care of the needs we have. This is very simple and is a general principle. How do we walk it out? Be lead of the Holy Spirit. As a new Christian this can be difficult. First you learn how to crawl, then walk, then run. How do we get there? Like I wrote… first, read the new testament to get familiar with the story.
You had a second question concerning salvation versus works. It is like this. Jesus is Saviour and Lord. There is nothing you can do to earn salvation. It is the gift of God. It is given to those who believe the gospel. Those who believe in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Yet… once you are saved and the kingdom (His Spirit) dwells in you, you have a responsibility to Jesus as your Lord. He wants you to change, to grow in grace and faith, to become mature, and to do the works he has set out for the church and the work you need to do for Jesus as a part of the church. John 15 shows that we are required to bear fruit. Whether that is simply to bring souls into the kingdom or having your heart changed as you walk out your faith… it is required. Not for salvation but for duty. If you did not want to serve then why do you want to be in His kingdom? This is a faith issue. It is part of the gospel.
The struggle between grace and works has been a part of the church for two thousand years. James said it right when he wrote “I will show you my faith by my works.” If God is truly within you, the works will follow. It is His nature that dwells within you to perform these works. These works however to not gain you salvation. Those who do not do the works that the Spirit is leading you to do is a sign that you are not believing the whole gospel. Don’t beat yourself up though if these works are not a part of your life… for now. Babies don’t work… they drink the milk (the Word of God). When they are a little more mature then some works will begin to occur. Just love Jesus, read his word… you will grow… and eventual start to work alongside of Him. His Spirit teaching you, guiding you.