Is there self-effort in pure grace ?

Radical grace or hyper preachers will say, "Of course, God is against all forms of self-effort. That's why we tell the people that there is no more law, no more commandment, no more judgement, no more rules and regulation, and no more self-effort. We are free. We are saved by grace, not by self-effort; neither are we prospered by self-effort. We believe in effortless success, God's favours, prosperity and over-payment of all our sins and supernatural cancellation of debts by Jesus Christ. Hence, from now on, anyone who preach another gospel or the gospel which is not of grace, let him be doubly cursed. That's not what I said; that's what Paul said..."

I will tell them, If what you said or what Paul 'said' is correct, then all the churches are cursed. Of course, I would think otherwise. I would think that you have not quoted Paul's words in its right context when you quoted the following Bible verses:

Gal 1:6-9 KJV  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  (7)  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  (8)  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  (9)  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Yes, Paul could have declared a double curse on those who would preach another gospel. Many of us think that another gospel is different gospel which tells people to be under the law, under the works of the law, or under self-effort. But do you agree that another gospel of grace could also mean another gospel with another 'grace' or another 'radical grace' too ? Before we accuse the churches for being under the curse of self-effort for teaching many disciplines, rules, principles, laws, commandments, or efforts to do good or do right, let us find out if self-effort is a curse in the Bible or gospel:

Did the Bible tell us that self-effort is a curse?
If we ask the radical grace preachers, Which Bible verse shows us clearly that self-effort is a curse in the gospel, they will be speechless. Some of them may quote from Genesis 1 and say that the curse came because men must now work hard and swear with great effort because of sin. I will tell them to read the Bible again. The Bible did not say that it is a curse to work ; but it is a curse to sin Gen 3:17. Hence, if we have to work or work with swear after we have sinned, it does not mean that work is a curse. Similarly, if we have to offer sacrifice for our sins after we have sinned, it is ridiculous to tell people that the offer of sacrifice is a curse too.   
Some may still argue, "Oh, self-effort is a curse because Paul said it.." I will tell them, Please tell us which Bible verse says it? They may quote from: 

• Gal 3:10-14 KJV  For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.  (11)  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.  (12)  And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.  (13)  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:  (14)  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

I will ask them, Did it say explicitly that any form of self-effort is a curse? No, however, the Bible did say that it is a curse to do the works of the law or do any form of works which is out of the law (or which has become obsolete - the Old Covenant). Of course, it would never refer to any hard works, spiritual discipline, difficult training, or self- effort as the curse.  

** What is the similarity between the footballers and the believers?
There is both physical and spiritual training for the men in the world and churches  

• 1Ti 4:6-13 LITV  Having suggested these things to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, having been nourished by the Words of faith, and by the good doctrine which you have followed.  (7)  But refuse the profane and old-womanish tales. And exercise yourself to godliness.  (8)  For bodily exercise is profitable to a little, but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the present life now, and of that coming.  (9)  Faithful is the Word and worthy of all acceptance;  (10)  for to this we also labor and are reproached, because we hope on the living God, who is Savior of all men, especially of believers.  (11)  Enjoin and teach these things.  (12)  Let no one despise your youth, but become an example of the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  (13)  Until I come, attend to reading, to exhortation to the doctrine.

Have you watch the World Cup lately? I would think that playing football and living godly life as a Christian has similarity. If you were a reporter and you asked a World Cup footballer, "Do you have the confidence to win the match?" He would tell you that, of course, he had great faith to win. However, If you questioned him, "Why do you still work so hard or put so much effort in your training for the match since you have great faith to win?" He would tell you to stop asking any more question and get lost. Similarly, if you ask a pastor now, "Do you have faith in God's salvation?" The pastor will tell you that, of course, he has great faith in God's salvation for him and for all others too. However, if you question him again and say, "Why do you still ask people to do many things, to read God's words, to attend church service, to listen to your sermons, to confess the word of God, to give to your church, to 'do good get good', to love others, to honour their parents, to be faithful to their spouses, to stop watching pornography, to live godly lives,  to be baptised with the confession and conviction of repentance, to pray, to keep away from immoral behaviours, to watch how they speak, think, and conduct themselves, to keep God's commandments, to do and teach many spiritual and written rules, doctrines, and principles of Christ..", he too will tell you to get lost because he would think that you are trying to be funny:  

• Mat 4:10-11 KJV  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  (11)  Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

I will tell them, Like the footballer who have faith to win and do well in his match, we, too, have faith in the salvation of God too. However, if we still do, teach, and keep the 'rules of training' and put much of our effort in training or walking with the Lord, it does not mean that our efforts are all curses of the law or works of the law. If Paul trained himself like a soldier or a farmer when he pressed forward toward his goal and considered it as the example of his basic training and fundamental truth for all the believers too, why do we deliberately and falsely accuse all others who do and teach the same as being under the curse?

• 2Ti 2:1-22 LITV  Then my child, you be empowered by grace in Christ Jesus.  (2)  And what things you heard from me through many witnesses, commit these things to faithful men, such as will be competent also to teach others.  (3)  Then you suffer hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  (4)  No one serving as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of this life, so that he might please the one having enlisted him.  (5)  And also if anyone competes, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully.  (6)  It is right for the laboring farmer to partake first of the fruits.  (7)  Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things... (10)  Because of this, I endure all things on account of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus, with everlasting glory.  (11)  Faithful is the Word: for if we died with Him, we also shall live with Him;  (12)  if we endure, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, that One will deny us;  (13)  if we are unfaithful, that One remains faithful; He is not able to deny Himself.  (14)  Remind them of these things, solemnly testifying before the Lord not to dispute about words for nothing useful, to the subversion of those hearing.  (15)  Give diligence to present yourself approved to God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.  (16)  But shun profane, empty babblings, for they will go on to more ungodliness,  (17)  and their word will have growth like gangrene, of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,  (18)  who missed the mark concerning the truth, saying the resurrection already has come, and overturn the faith of some.  (19)  However, the foundation of God stands firm, having this seal, "The Lord knew the ones being His;" see Num. 16:5, 7, also, Let everyone naming the name of Christ depart from unrighteousness.  (20)  But in a great house not only are there vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honor and some to dishonor.  (21)  Then if anyone purifies himself from these, he will be a vessel to honor, having been sanctified and made useful to the Master, having been prepared to every good work.  (22)  But flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with the ones calling on the Lord out of a pure heart. 
• Php 3:12-19 LITV  Not that I already received or already have been perfected, but I press on, if I also may lay hold, inasmuch as I also was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  (13)  Brothers, I do not count myself to have laid hold, but one thing I do, forgetting the things behind, and stretching forward to those things before,  (14)  I press on after a mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  (15)  Then as many as are perfect, let us be of this mind; and if you think anything differently, God will also reveal this to you.  (16)  Yet as to where we have arrived, walk by the same rule, being of the same mind.  (17)  Be fellow-imitators of me, brothers, and consider those walking this way, even as you have us for a pattern.  (18)  For many walk as hostile to the cross of Christ, of whom I often told you, and now even weeping I say it,  (19)  whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and who glory in their shame, the ones thinking earthly things.
• Heb 6:1-3 KJV  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  (2)  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  (3)  And this will we do, if God permit.

I will tell them, Yes, do good get good is a principle or a doctrine. Yes, it is a self effort, but it is certainly not a curse or something that is for those under the Old Covenant. It can still be taught as a good effort or practice for all the true believers under the New Testament too: 

• Eph 6:1-3 KJV  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  (2)  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)  (3)  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (Did Paul teach 'do good get good' here? Yes, we do good so that we may be long.)
• Heb 13:16 KJV  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
• 1Ti 5:10 KJV  Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
• Tit 2:14-15 KJV  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  (15)  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
• Tit 3:8 KJV  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. 
• Rom 13:9-14 KJV  For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  (10)  Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.  .. (13)  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  (14)  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

   

1. What is 'another gospel' in Paul's time ?  

Gal 3:9-17 KJV  So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (10) For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (11)  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. (12) And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them... (17) And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
The Jews were under the law to live by the law. They had to do them and live by them. But are all the non-Jews under the law too? No. Only the Jews were under the law because only they had the old covenant with God through Abraham. They were given the book of the law and they had to live by it. Hence, whenever we see , 'the law', in the Bible, we know that it refers to the old covenant with God. It refers to the book of the law and many things written inside which requires the Jews to fulfil. However, if we don't have that covenant, we don't have the book of the law, and we don't know what is inside the law, how can we tell the sinners that they are under the law? Many will ask, "How do you know that 'the law' refers to the old covenant only? It may refer to self-effort, law-consciousness, and the flesh." I will tell them, I will not rule out the possibility. But can you please show any Bible verse which says that 'the law' refers to self-effort, law-consciousness, or the flesh? However, Paul or the Bible confirmed that 'the law' was given to the Israelites 430 years after God had made His covenant with Abraham. Hence, 'the law' which was given to the Israelites through Moses much later (430 after God's promise to Abraham) cannot disannul His promise or covenant with Abraham. 
Gal 3:17 KJV  And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

Hence, it would be a curse for anyone to preach the gospel or the covenant by bringing God's people back to 'the law' through Moses which was given 430 years after God's covenant with Abraham. It would disannul God's promise or God's original covenant with Abraham. It would be the covenant by the law, not the covenant by faith. It would be another gospel, not the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    (I will explain next time why the non-Jews have never been under the law and therefore they could never have kept the law like the Jews or the Pharisees who had the Old covenant or 'The law' through Moses.)

2. Is it possible to preach another gospel today?

You bet. However, is it another gospel because it has too many laws and rituals ? Probably, yes, if the churches are today are still facing the same situation when they cannot decide which covenant they need to choose. Yes, if the churches have all decided to remain under the Old covenant like the Jews, we may need to argue with them like the way Paul argued with the Jewish believers in Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews. We will need to do it if:

1. the churches are still thinking of 'the law' and getting the people to go through the circumcision. 
2. the sinners are all under 'the law' instead of being under sin

However, I am doubtful if we are still facing the same situation now. It's because I don't see any churches circumcise their church members, neither do I see the logic to think that the Gentiles are under 'the law'. Radical grace preachers will argue, "Why not? The sinners are under the law because they believed in doing good, doing self-effort, keeping God's laws, and living under the flesh. The Bible tells us that all these are the works of the law. Hence, they are under the law. And many churches are putting them under the law after they have accepted Christ.."
I will tell them, Please be more specific and tell us which Bible verses said that the sinners are all under the law or doing good, doing self-effort, keeping God's laws, or living under the flesh is living under the law. I would think that the Bible has said clearly that all sinners are under sin, including the Jews and Gentiles, the righteous and the unrighteous ..

Rom 3:9-10 KJV  What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;  (10)  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Rom 7:14 KJV  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Gal 3:22 KJV  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Please ask ourselves, If all people are under sin,

1. do we preach that they are under the law and need to stop doing the law or 
2. preach that they are under sin and need to stop sinning? 

If we just preach that the people are only under the law, the sinners will all say 'Amen' because they would be glad to accept the gospel which tell them not to do any laws and tell them nothing about their sins and repentance. I would think that this is another gospel in our time when preachers would not preach the new covenant in Jesus Christ with repentance.

3. Is there any self-effort in 'pure grace'?

Radical grace preachers will argue, "We are not very sure if repentance must be preached to the sinners; but we are sure that we must preach 'pure' grace. In pure grace, there should not be any self-effort. There must not be thinking of any self-effort .."

I will tell them, Please think, Are there any farmers in your churches? Do they plough, sow, fertilize, weed, water, trim, reap, and harvest their crops? If what you said is true, you could have accused all your farmers for believing in self effort too. They believe in hard work. But, if they really believe in God and have faith in God, they should know that God can water the crops for them effortlessly with rains, kill all the harmful pests and insects, cause the weeds to die supernaturally, and give them a fantastic harvest without them doing anything. Why would they still do so much in their fields? It's because they know that if they do not water their crops, their crops would die. Would their self-efforts cause them to lose 'pure' grace?

They will argue, "Of course not. When we preached against self-effort, we preached against the law, the spiritual effort to do good, to obey many moral rules, values, and principles, and many efforts to keep God's commandments, to keep themselves in the good book of the law, to please God .. like the elder son in the parable of the prodigal son.."

I will tell them, I don't know how you preach the parable of the prodigal son, but I know that it is about repentance. You could have preached and quoted it out of its context. Yes, the elder son could have done many things to please God, but Jesus did not say that doing those things was wrong. What was wrong was the attitude. Jesus was telling us that

1. the sinners must have the attitude to repent
2. the righteous must have the attitude to continue in doing good or in doing right without jealousy

Did you preach it clearly and correctly?  

4. Of course, there are labours and efforts even in God's kingdom and in individual spiritual pursuits

I will tell them, In God's kingdom or in our spiritual world, it is unthinkable if we will just do nothing. Do you know how much Paul preached about doing good and doing the works of God, both physically and spiritually?

1Co 3:6-18 KJV  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.  (7)  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.  (8)  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.  (9)  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.  (10)  According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.  (11)  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  (12)  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  (13)  Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.  (14)  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  (15)  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.  (16)  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  (17)  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.  (18)  Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
In so many Bible verses above, did you see any man's work in the grace of God ? Would there be man's work in our faith and belief. You bet. Still not convinced? There are more teaching from Paul on this:
Eph 2:8-10 KJV  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  (10)  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Yes, we are not saved by works, but we are saved to do good works. Did you preach the second part?)
1Ti 6:17-21 KJV  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;  (18)  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;  (19)  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.  (20)  O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:  (21)  Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.
2Ti 3:16-17 KJV  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Tit 1:16 KJV  They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Tit 2:6-7 KJV  Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.  (7)  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Tit 2:14-15 KJV  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  (15)  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Tit 3:8 KJV  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Tit 3:14-15 KJV  And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.  (15)  All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia. (There is good works in grace. There is learning and preaching of good works too.)
Heb 10:24 KJV  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1Pe 2:12 KJV  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
I have only searched for 'good works' in my Bible. If you search, 'good work', 'do good', 'doing good', .. etc, you would find more Bible verses. If we are blind, we would say that Paul has never preached or told us to do good because he preached grace only. No, if you search for the words 'live godly lives, godliness, humble, humility, obey, obedience, holiness, good conscience, repentance, discipline, self control, sound doctrine, commandments, warnings, take heed, watch, .. etc, you will know that he had preached, taught, or wrote all these things to the churches and the believers too.  How can we keep silent about all these teachings and tell people that preaching the gospel is just to preach 'Jesus' only or 'grace' only..I think many of us have literally chucked away our Bible and do not know that Paul had actually preached many warnings and many things, after being brain-washed by the 'too good to be true' teaching from the websites or fazebooks. We have now begun to read all the teaching from these websites everyday and think that they are our Bible or the word of God while we do not realise that we are being brain-washed to believe every word of the preachers behind these websites. We become so dependent on them that we would feel lost or feel condemned easily whenever we stop reading them. 

5. The grace of God is not just effortless teaching

Hence, if we preach that the farmers should work hard physically and that the believers should also labour diligently, are we still preaching pure grace? Perhaps radical grace preachers will say that we have gone back to the law or self-effort. But we are preaching from the word of God. I may not preach 'pure' grace like what they preach, but I preach the grace of God which has the word of God, the work, the labour, and the diligence to show that we are truly God's disciples and the servants who are waiting for the coming of the Lord:

• Mat 24:45-51 KJV  Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?  (46)  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  (47)  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.  (48)  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;  (49)  And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;  (50)  The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,  (51)  And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
• Luk 12:22-54 KJV  And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. .. (41) Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?  (42)  And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, .. (47) And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.  (48)  But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.  (49)  I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?  (50)  But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!.. 
• Luk 12:22-54 KJV  And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

Many preachers tried to argue that to believe in the Lord is just to let Him do everything and serve us as though we are the kings. But my Bible did not say so. My Lord did not say so too. We may be kings and princes as the children of God when we will rule the heaven and earth in the kingdom of God. But when we are still waiting on the Lord or waiting for His coming now on earth, we are His servants. In fact, we are told to be His faithful and wise servants. They will argue, "But the Bible did tell us that we should reign, we are the sons, we are the kings, we are rich, we are .., we are not servants." I will tell them, Probably you can find the Bible verses which say so but you could have quoted it out of its context. Yes, we are the sons with God's inheritance and privileges but those privileges should not make us so puffed up that we have forgotten that we need to serve like God's faithful and wise servants; not to rule like the worldly people. In fact, Peter did ask the same question on behalf of us when he said, Luke 12:41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?  (42) And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, ..   Clearly from the Bible verses above, the Lord was speaking to all His disciples and those who will follow Him. If these words are not for us, The Bible would say so, like (v54)  And he said also to the people, ... "

6. There is still works of faith in the Christian walk under the New covenant

• Tit 2:7-15 KJV  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,  (8)  Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.  (9)  Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;  (10)  Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.  (11)  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  (13)  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  (14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  (15)  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

If we have just read Tit 2:7-15 above, we would notice that there are so many things Paul would want to teach us. Of course, Paul would not teach the believers to do all these to get salvation, but he did teach the believers to do all these in the churches. Who can dispute with Paul ?
Now, I will tell the radical grace preachers, Yes, the sinners may just believe only, but the believers don't just believe only; they will still need to be taught properly to adorn the doctrine of God in all things - These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority .. see Titus 2:10, 15 above 
By the way, I would still think that sinners must not just believe only; they must also repent if they will really change and adorn the doctrine of God after they have believed. Even in repentance, there are still fruits or works worthy of repentance:

• Mat 3:7-9 KJV  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  (8)  Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:  (9)  And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
• Luk 3:7-8 KJV  Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  (8)  Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Hence, in the New covenant, there are no more works of the law, but there are still works of faith and fruits of repentance; and the doctrine, laws, and commandments of God.

• No more works of the law - Gal 2:15-16 KJV  We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,  (16)  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ..
• But there is still works of faith - Jas 2:20-24 KJV  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  (21)  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  (22)  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  (23)  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.  (24)  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Obviously, in the covenant by faith or the New covenant, we will still have works for both the sinners and believers:

1. fruits (or works) of repentance for the sinners and 
2. works of faith for the believers 

Repentance, works of faith, and good works in Christ are not considered as the works of the law. Please read the whole chapter of Galatians on the works of the law again.
The works of the law are the works which the Jews and the Pharisees did to justify themselves before God; for example, the law of circumcision, Corban laws, sacrificial laws, Sabbath laws, and many laws which they used to hide their hypocrisy and lawlessness. You will understand what I mean if you read more about 'the law' in Acts, Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians :

• Gentiles should not be forced to live like the Jews - Gal 2:14-15 KJV  But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?  (15)  We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,  
• Gentiles should not be forced to do the works of the law - Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Gal 6:13 KJV  For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
• Gentiles should not be forced to keep the law or to be circumcised - Act 15:5 KJV  But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. ..(24) Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: Rom 2:25-26 KJV  For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.  (26)  Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

We should understand by now that the Gentiles can never do 'the law' because they are the Jews. 'The law' or the works of 'the law' is obviously something practised by the Jews and Pharisees; but not but by the Gentiles. That's why the Jews and Pharisees would try by all means to compel the Gentile believers to keep the law too, so that they may glory in their flesh. Hence, Paul was not against the law to do good, the law of the Romans, the law of our countries, or the law of the Seven Most Effective Habits; he was against the law of the Jews and Pharisees when it was used to frustrate the grace of God to all the believers.

7. Is fasting, doing good work, or obeying God's laws self-effort? 

Of course, it would be questionable if any preachers try to give people the impression that fasting, good work, or obeying God's commandments is self-effort.If it is not self-effort, why can't we preach it? Radical grace preachers will argue, "We should never preach or teach it; otherwise, people will believe in self-efforts. They will miss their salvation. That's why we preach or teach grace only; we will never teach any other things.." I will tell them, Teaching grace all the time does not mean that you are more righteous or more spiritual than others. Neither does teaching fasting, doing good work, or obeying God's laws means that we are more righteous too. Those who are more righteous are not those who teach grace or teach the laws; but those who do it. Am I therefore telling people to fast, do good work, or obey God's laws to be saved. Of course not. I say this because I don't see any wrong to teach all these. Please think, If Jesus or John tells you to keep God's commandments now, will you accuse them for preaching self-efforts? 

• Mat 19:16-17 KJV  And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?  (17)  And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
• Joh 14:15 KJV  If ye love me, keep my commandments.
• 1Jn 2:3-7 KJV  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  (4)  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  (5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  (6)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  (7)  Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
• 1Jn 3:22-24 KJV  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.  (23)  And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.  (24)  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
• 1Jn 5:2-3 KJV  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.  (3)  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 
• Eph 6:1-3 KJV  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  (2)  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)  (3)  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
  Col 1:10 KJV  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
  
• 2Ti 2:21 KJV  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Now, I will ask them, If Paul tells you to do good work or obey God's commandment, will you accuse him of teaching self-effort too? No. If you cannot accuse him of doing it, neither can you accuse any God's preachers or any churches of teaching or doing too much good works too, unless they insist that you must do good to get saved. Hence, please think twice before you preach against anyone or any churches of teaching or doing self-efforts, ok? 

However, I would think that there is, in fact, more human effort when you tried to twist, misinterpret, or remove God's commandments from His words or when you preached the gospel until everyone misunderstood it as license to sin. 

Is it wrong to do your own work?
Did the Bible tell us that all kinds of self-effort is wrong? Please let me know if you can find it in your Bible. Probably I can find Bible verses which says that we cannot be saved by our works; however the Bible did not say that it is wrong to do your own work, work on your own, or do your own business:

• Gal 6:4-10 KJV  But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  (5)  For every man shall bear his own burden.  (6)  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.  (7)  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  (8)  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  (9)  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  (10)  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
• Php 2:12 KJV  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
• 1Th 4:11-12 KJV  And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;  (12)  That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
• 2Th 3:12-14 KJV  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.  (13)  But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.  (14)  And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

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