Closing Remarks
There is much to learn as we grow to be more like Jesus, but it all boils down to this:
Then Peter said unto them, repent (turn), and be baptized (bathed, washed), every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins (lawlessness), and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water (baptized) and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
As far as it depends upon you, profess that his law is good. Jesus is the word, and the thief professed that there was nothing wrong in Jesus; by his belief, he was saved, even if he was unable to obey. Seek his word and obey with all of your heart, mind, and soul; call out to him for salvation, and he will raise you up.
This book has put a heavy focus on "laws" and "obedience" because the church has focused on His abundant love and mercy and neglected obedience. He gives us his laws for our own good and out of love. Do not worry that your flesh is enslaved to sin despite your best efforts. He came to set us free from that enslavement so that we could have the blessings He intends.
But as it has been written: "no eye has seen, and no ear has heard, and has not entered into heart of man, what God has prepared for those loving Him."
literal rendering
Now no chastening (tribulation) seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness (lawfulness) to those who have been trained by it.