Put a pot of water over a hot camp fire long enough and it will boil. This is cause and effect. The boiling water "effect" was "caused" by the hot flame. It would be silly to say, "the flame is hot 'cause' the water is boiling." That is the DANGER when it comes to understanding the Gospel - often, the emphasis is put on the effect instead of the cause. Turning from sin and striving to "live right" is the effect of being born again - believing, trusting, and putting your faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. "Living right" is the effect of our salvation, not the cause. Salvation comes to those who believe. "Living right" doesn't save you - it is the result of being saved, being born again, being a new creature in Christ. Don't get it switched! "I live right 'cause' I am saved!" "I am saved 'cause' I trust in Christ alone to save me!" "He (Jesus) has put His Spirit within me and 'caused' me to be born again!" "I believe 'cause' God has opened my eyes to the truth and 'caused' me to be born again!" "I have repented 'cause' God has granted me repentance - His kindness is meant to lead to repentance!" The "EFFECT" of God's work in me "CAUSES" me to live right!" Live right to exalt and glorify Christ!! We don't live right to earn salvation - that's an INSULT to God! To "LIVE RIGHT" is to live righteously, to live holy, to live and walk according to God's will as outlined in His Word. Do you want to live right? If yes, why? The condition of your heart matters! -Do you want to "live right" for the praise of others? -Do you want to "live right" to earn or merit eternal life? -Do you want to "live right" because it makes you feel good? All 3 of these answers are based in pride!! Pride in public opinion, pride in self ability, and pride in self worth. If people see your good deeds and glorify God because of it, that's good - but if you want them to see your good deeds for your glory, that's not good. If your good deeds make you feel good, that's great, they should - but if that's the motivator, if that's the goal - that's not great. The motivation and intention of the heart matters! HELP ME LORD! Live right to exalt and glorify the Name of Christ! If you don't want to "live right" - that's a whole other problem. If you think, "I don't need to live right 'cause' I am saved by Grace", you got it switched! Our purpose is to glorify our King - if you don't want to "LIVE RIGHT" it is probably "cause" you are not born again. To live like to world when you belong to the King is as silly as the water telling the flame, "I have no interest in boiling at this time." If the water is over the flame, it will boil, and if you be in Christ you are changed, you will live right. Not always perfect, but the motivation and intentions of the heart will be on "living right" to honor your King.
