Can’t remember where I heard this (probably Frangipane’s ICITC), but the idea goes something like this:
- We’re acceptable in the Father’s eyes as-is, because Christ paid the price for us and reconciled us
- But Christ is the one who is currently dealing with us since we’re His disciples and we’re His body
- So… time to repent and get back to work. There’s much to be done.
For me, it helped take my understanding of living under and appreciating God’s grace, while not abusing it, to a new level. As we live repentant lives, all God the Father sees is Christ, enabling us to have the peace of eternal security, experience intimate fellowship with the Godhead and be a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. But since we’re Christ’s disciples and actively represent Him as His body here on earth, and are preparing to rule and reign with Him throughout eternity, we’re still being held accountable by Him to make progress in our walk, bear fruit and not exhibit dead, work-less faith. Jesus is, and always will be, the standard.