God’s free gift of grace versus our required response-a source of theological debate for centuries. Both are true, but the emphasis is on the former, because we need the help of God’s Spirit, the "Helper," even in our responses. Yet we still must respond. We respond (1) in appreciation for the love He has shown for us, and also (2) out of reverence and awe of who He is.
What does God want from us? What does He want us to do?
The New Testament summarizes it this way: "believing" in the Son of God (entrusting ourselves to Him), and "loving one another."
The "entrusting" involves commitment and discipleship, radically changing our former priorities and, if necessary, being willing to sacrifice or suffer for Christ’s sake. The "loving" involves placing the interests of others before ourselves, which summarizes all of the Old Testament law.
In our own human strength, both the above are impossible. We must constantly rely upon God’s Spirit for assistance, and His grace when we fail.
The New Testament exhorts us to do many things to make us more effective instruments for God. This includes helping others, kindness, praying, giving, and serving. It also exhorts us to avoid certain things such as idolatry, immorality, enmity, and covetousness.
A major obligation is for believers to assemble together
for joint worship, fellowship, teaching, and mutual service. God has ordained the church
for this purpose. Believers should prayerfully pick a church that is Christ-centered and
honors the Bible as God’s Word, and carefully avoid the many false cults.