This is one of the most important teachings in all of Paul’s writings, today in chapter 3, at it really clearly states the reality of what Paul believes about God’s Grace, which is this.

Paul’s hope, before he became a Christian, which is shared by many people in their hearts still today, was that, by way of his perseverance in observing the law of God, or religious practices prescribed by the Bible in general for many people today, that he might be pronounced righteous (or, in our terms, ‘saved’) by God when he stood before his judgment-seat. That is to say, he wanted God to let him in based on the merits of his efforts.  But - Jesus teaches a way of righteousness APART from the law - not somewhat apart from the law, not “believe Jesus and grades on a curve”, but completely apart from the law, and the procedure is reversed: God pronounces believers righteous at the beginning of their course, not at the end of it. If he pronounces them righteous at the beginning of their course, it cannot be on the basis of works which they have not yet done.

This means that your behavior, Paul’s behavior, my behavior - they are NOT a part of God’s decision to save us.  Heaven is not reserved for the ‘behavors’.  God’s Grace and love during this life is not reserve for the ‘behavors’.  You ARE, presently; I am, presently, loved by God.  All we have to do is accept it.

It is easiest to understand this when we have kids.  In fact, I think that’s a huge advantage to having kids...it helps us to understand how God sees and relates to us.  But, I love my kids.  I loved them the moment I knew they existed - in the womb.  There is nothing, not-a-thing, that they could do to make me stop loving them.  There are definitely things that they can do to make me stop LIKING them, but I think that’s a human condition, not a God condition.  They ARE loved.  All they have to do is recognize it.  Or not.  It is their choice.  But, they won’t really have a great relationship with me unless they recognize it.

It is this way because it was that way with God first.  And, if you are a ‘bahavor’, you have to come to the point where you are comfortable with the fact that God loved you before you started behaving.  Your behaving is for your benefit.  Someone who is a hellion acts that way to their own detriment...but that is separate from their salvation.

For some people, this requires prayer and consideration...this just HAS to been 100% accepted if you are going to flourish as a Christian.  If you struggle with this, this is an invitation to struggle more with it...you must, because if you don’t get past this, then you are destined to push people away from our faith because you’ll use your Bible as a whipping tool rather than as an invitation.  You are called to more than that...we all are...our faith should feel like an invitation, not a pair of handcuffs!