Grace

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?” (Romans 6:1 ESV)

If Paul were to ask this question, what would the answer be? While this was a rhetorical question answered by Paul, many of the “Christians” in today’s churches would not answer it in the same way he did. Today, this question causes many to tremble.

Grace has been hijacked, twisted, and the power of grace has been lost by a society of Christians who have veered from the true gospel. It has been reduced to a mere slogan, a get-out-of-hell-free card in a spiritual Monopoly game, devoid of its actual weight and the power of salvation it once held.

Today, grace is being misused in circles where people prioritize their sin over their love for God and cling to it more than they do to Christ. This verse from Romans clearly states that we are not to sin. Grace is not a whitewash for deliberate disobedience, and God's intolerance towards sin remains unchanged. Today, people and false teachers worship a 'god' of their own making, not the true God of the Bible.

Society has turned to acceptance instead of repentance, and the narrow path to heaven has become the wide road for misinformed Christians who have been led astray from the true Shepherd all the while walking a burning tightrope above the pit. It is the cultural Christianity of today that has been twisted. We were warned. Paul wrote to Timothy,  “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” (1 Timothy 4:1-3)

The misconception is that grace permits or covers sin when, in fact, it demands repentance. This is the result of emotional, topical preaching in an atmosphere where many of today’s pastors cannot even write their own sermons or spell expository. Grace is not something that says, Come on, you are perfect the way you are, No, to the contrary, it says you must die to this life and be born again in Jesus Christ. Holiness is not an option; it is not reserved for pastors, ministers, and evangelists; it is necessary for all who claim to be in Christ.

We cannot pick and choose which part of the Bible we will follow, which apostle we believe the most. No, the Scripture is the living word of God, and through empowered expository preachers who dissect the Word of God and show you how it applies to your life, it is imprinted by the Spirit on your heart forever.

Salvation is not following a “god’ you create in your mind who says the things you want to hear. Salvation is an intentional act inspired by grace to believe and follow Jesus Christ, and to devote yourself to turning from your sin and walking away chasing the holiness of the Lord. The writer of Hebrews said, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”(12:14)

It is not enough to speak the Christian language, to talk the talk, but not walk the walk. Walking the narrow path is full of strife, troubles, and persecution. However, the narrow path is also receiving the grace, love, and peace of Jesus Christ, which overcomes all things.

There is a song on the radio called “The Truth,” by Megan Woods, which I turn off every time it comes on because it is a lie. The chorus says: “The truth is I am my Father's child, I make Him proud and I make Him smile. I was made in the image of a perfect King. He looks at me and wouldn't change a thing.” There are times we do things that are pleasing to God. I do not know if that makes Him proud of His flawed creation.  However, I do know He must change us in order for us to be made holy. While we are made in the image of a perfect king, there is much he will continually change about us, while molding us in His image.

Changing is part of being a Christian. We are never finished changing, growing in Christ, until we stand before Him on the white throne. Do you know the true Gospel of Jesus Christ? Do you truly understand the changing power of God’s grace? Do you know the true God of the Bible? Seek Christ today. If you have questions, reach out to us at In Messiah. We can show you the texts that reveal salvation through the finished work of Christ.

Grace and Peace.