Deeds vs. Relationship

Many believers push hard to accomplish good things for Christ. They could rightfully claim hard work and perseverance as their strengths. They could get credit for refusing to tolerate evil. They could receive commendation for enduring hardships without quitting or even growing weary.

If that describes you, you are to be applauded. Jesus is pleased with you.

I can say that on the authority of God’s Word, for the Lord Jesus, through his Spirit, commended the church at Ephesus for these very things (Revelation 2:1–3).

But you know where I’m going with this discussion because you know what Jesus added to his words of approval: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (Revelation 2:4–5).

He says (if I [ … ]