Whatever we gain by the works of our own flesh, we will have to maintain the same way we gained it.
— Joyce Meyer
Accursed is that peace of which revolt from God is the bond, and blessed are those contentions by which it is necessary to maintain the kingdom of Christ.
— John Calvin
It is by virtue of the atonement that God can maintain His justice and yet demonstrate His mercy.
— RC Sproul
Your fellowship with God never came because of your righteousness. So how could your own righteousness maintain it?