For those who believe there is no need to work, labor, grow or constantly improve ourselves after we come to Christ, I present the following:

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

It is obvious here that Paul is talking to saved people. In fact, he even admits they are sanctified. What a build up! Read it again, and then notice just a few chapters later, what he says to the same people.

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. II Corinthians 7:1

Remember now, he was talking to saved, sanctified saints. Obviously, there is something needed after salvation, and at least part of that which is needed must be done by us.

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Ephesians 1:1-4

Wow, what a buildup! This is written to saints who are faithful and blessed with all spiritual blessings, chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. Now let's go a few chapters farther in this epistle and find what else he says to these saints.

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts: And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor... Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more... Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Ephesians 4:22-25, 27,28,31

What did he say? Take notice, those of you who boast that you preach nothing but positive messages. Paul is talking here to faithful saints who are blessed with all spiritual blessings. I sincerely doubt that you are wiser than that great apostle. Now listen to Peter.

Could anyone receive a greater commendation than these pilgrims-elect and sanctified? They already have an inheritance reserved in heaven for them. What else does Peter have to say to this select group?

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; (behavior) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 1 Peter 1:13-17

Why is it necessary to tell people who are elect, sanctified and already have an inheritance waiting for them in heaven to be holy and to pass the time of their journey here in fear? The answer is plain for all who would see. Man must continually be admonished to live right, or he loses his good standing with God. Perfection is maintained only by working, laboring, improving and growing. I submit some additional examples for your consideration.

Philippians 1:1-5..........................3:13-15

Colossians 1:1-2...............................3:1-9

I Thessalonians 1:1...........4:1-7, 5:21-23

II Thessalonians 1:1.......................2:9-15

I John 1:1-3.........1:7, 2:3-6, 3:8-10, 5:2-4

Jude 1:1................................1:3, 4, 17-21

Consider also the letters of instruction and commandment to the seven churches in chapters two and three of Revelation. Use of the term "churches" indicates saved persons.