" cannot make yourself righteous by simply changing your behavior,’’ Mother replied. Essie stiffened. ‘‘I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.’’ ‘‘What I mean is that when Christ died on that cross, He took your sin upon himself. The very one you committed with Mr. Currington. As well as all the ones you have committed in the past and will commit in the future.’’ Cracking another pecan, Essie stuffed down the lump rising in her throat. ‘‘Have you so little appreciation for His sacrifice that you would fling it back in His face by trying to earn your way to heaven?’’ Mother rose. "

― Deeanne Gist , Courting Trouble