This is what I know. Sin is the transgression of the Law, yes. Jesus did for me what I couldn't do for myself in these ways:
*He fulfilled the Law...... for me. I could never do it so He did in my place, just as he died on the cross in my place, so I wouldn't have to. Thank you Jesus!
*He gave me His righteousness 'cause I didn't have any, & couldn't obtain it. The Father not only sees me cleansed from sin, He sees His Son's righteous when He looks at me.
*The Father also sees the faith He gave me...... throught the evidence of works. "Fruits meet for repentence"(Mat 3:8), or "works meet for repentence" (Acts 26:20). Obedience & good works are the sole evidence of faith. They are mandated, yes, but not to receive salvation.
We know we are brethen (disciples) because of our love for one another (John 13:35). That love can only be demonstrated/proven by good works.
Good works demonstrate/prove that we are saved, that we are changing from glory to glory, even by the Spirit of the Lord.
John 14:12 (KJV) [SUP]12 [/SUP]Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
True, good works can be done by nearly anyone, but the good works of God can only be done through those who receive Christ as their Savior & Lord.