Gratitude for what the Lord has done is the motivation for holiness, and the power for sanctification is the Holy Spirit who regenerates us, gives us faith in Jesus, and indwells us. Holy living is the fruit of salvation; it is not what moves God to redeem us (Galatians 2:15-16;5:22-23).
We begin to live rightly because of God’s grace towards us, and each time the Lord forgives us we grow more thankful for His mercy and thus more motivated to do His will. He is not required to pardon us once, much less repeatedly. Such abundant grace mercifully leads us to pursue holiness.
—Tabletalk Magazine, October 2009