I know I am saved by God’s grace thru faith in what Christ accomplished on the cross. But how do we separate law and grace? Spiritually speaking we want to do what we know we should do, but how do we avoid thinking that it’s part of our salvation? In other words, how do I go on living “right” without messing with grace?
The answer to your question sounds quite simple in theory, but in practice, it’s a little more complicated. Here are some ways you can tell you’re not messing with grace.
If you’re trying to live “right” solely as a way of expressing your gratitude for the salvation you’ve been freely given then you’re not messing with grace.
If someone tries to thank you for something nice you’ve done in the Lord’s name and you say, “No. Thank the Lord,” then you’re not messing with grace.
If you go out of your way to do your good deeds in secret then you’re not messing with grace.
In summary, if you’re only trying to live up to what you’ve already attained (Phil. 3:16) then you’re not messing with grace.
Memorizing verses that talk about being saved by grace through faith and not by works is also helpful. That way you can repeat them to yourself if you’re ever tempted to think otherwise.
Ephesians 2:8-9 is probably the best known, but there are numerous others. Titus 3:4-7 is a good one. And here’s one from Romans 3:23-24. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”