Grace and Sanctification Part I

I've been thinking a lot lately about grace. For a few months now I've been pondering the relationship between grace and sanctification or self-discipline and how they both play an important role in our lives without canceling each other out. At first glance they seem almost opposites, but I believe God designed our lives to be characterized by both [grace and self discipline] simultaneously and in perfect harmony. (Only God can get away with such seemingly contradictory expectations). In his book The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning discusses the all too typical church mentality about grace, which focuses on grace applied at salvation and then transitions into works based faith...where grace essentially ends. Manning reminds us of a great point and Biblical truth which is that grace continues on and on as we walk with Christ; that it extends beyond the point of salvation; and that it never changes- grace is always the only way. Grace is never replaced by works, salvation is never earned, and nothing can separate us from the Love of God... no matter how long (or short) we have been walking with God. I think this truth is frankly unbelievable to so many because we are so unworthy. Thus, the meaning of grace.

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (paraphrased by me):
The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. He agreed to give each of them a denarius (let's say $100) for a day's work. He hired a few early in the morning, a few more at lunch time, and some in the afternoon. At the end of the work day, he paid each of them the same. Of course, the men who worked longer hours complained that they should receive more pay. The boss man said, "Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you."
-Matthew 20:1-16

"Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ."
-Romans 5:20-21

"That I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ..."
-Philippians 3:8-9

...stay tuned for Grace and Sanctification Part II