"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Gal 5:3 (NIV))
God does not want us to be confined to rules; He wants our hearts.
"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." (Rom 6:14)
We don’t need to earn blessings from God any longer, as we are made continually righteous through Jesus. We are highly-favoured children.
"And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." (Rom 11:6)
We are free to be the princesses we were born to be! Imagine how Sleeping Beauty felt to be suddenly awakened from a 100-year sleep? Consider the freedom!
His heart toward us will never alter regardless of our performance. It is an ‘abba’ Father relationship.
"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
We draw close to Him and experience a heartfelt intimacy. We are "accepted in the Beloved"
(Eph. 1:6) through what Christ has done. He "is a friend that sticks closer than a brother."
(Prov. 18:24) He wants us blessed and loved and well taken care of. "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32), for this is His nature. Those who accept Him enter His Kingdom.
When God’s love is established in our hearts, we are empowered to love Him in return and love others as a result; making this the most important relationship we can have. We develop a natural desire to spend time with Him, to seek and worship Him. We want to get to know Him better, listen to Him and do His will. Living holy becomes a fruit of the relationship, not a requirement.