There's a common and accurate saying in biblical study: the indicative precedes the imperative. In other words, the declaration of what God has done (the indicative) comes before the commands He gives to us (the imperative). Thus, we are not obeying to earn His favor or salvation; rather we are living out of the rich and beautiful grace He has already shown us. That truth is displayed beautifully by John in 1 John 2:12-17.  Come and listen, and marvel at the grace of God. (August 14, 2022)