We are saints because of grace.  And by grace we are to be saintly.

 

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-14)

 

The work of grace saves us from what we have been, secures us for what we shall be and transforms us in what we now are.  If the cross is powerful enough to alter our eternal destiny (and it is!), then it is also powerful enough to change our present lives.

 

As children of God, we are not dragged through our days toward Godly living by sets of rules and laws.  Rather we rise every morning fully cognizant of the mercies and love of God and are compelled from within to live in a manner worthy of Him who has saved us.  We cast ourselves upon His grace and trust His enabling power in our lives.  The Godliness of our lives is reflective of the God in our life.

 

Salvation is the beginning of God's work of grace in our lives, not the end.  His grace is ever transforming us and readying us for the day of Christ's appearance.  Until that day may every day be a day of grace.