Christlike Faith

Jesus died so that our sins could be forgiven, not so that we could continue in sin. The cross does not exempt us from God's judgment.

Those who believe shall receive indeed, but there's a next step. Becoming Christlike.

"Well he loves me despite my sin." He loves all of His children, even the sinner, but every sinner will be rightly judged. You are not free to sin and assume excusal under the pretext of "he loves me as I am."

Everyone has sinned and fallen short, yes, we are human. But our goal as Christian's is to live in a holy manner. Thus, don't go about "expecting" to sin, instead, strive to live a holy life pleasing to God.

1 Peter 1:14-16 says, "as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lust in your ignorance: but as he which has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Peter is telling us to separate ourselves from the world and who we used to be, and conform to God's standards. Thus, we must live in holiness.

If God has called us to live in His likeness, who is sinless might I add, do we really believe that we may continue in ignorance with the assumption that we have obtained some divine privilege?

"And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear." In what? In "fear." This is a reverent (respectful) fear. Living with the appropriate fear of displeasing God will encourage us to flee from sin.

We cannot be united with God without an internal change. If you are of Christ, you will desire to be like Christ.

“and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:23-24‬