So many people in today’s “Christian” world have a skewed understanding of God’s grace in our lives. A Bible study leader at a “Christian” college stated that not only was God’s command to be holy not actually intended to be obeyed but also, since our sins are covered by Jesus’ death on the cross, we needed to not be so worried about trying to obey everything He commanded us. Life was meant to be fun, not burdensome!”
People argue that God’s grace sets us free from sin, so we can basically do whatever we want! The truth is that God’s grace in our lives DOES set us free from sin, that is free from the power and control of sin in our lives! Before salvation, we are under the bondage and control of sin, and we can do nothing right. Romans 6:17-18 teaches us, “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” If we truly have faith in God, we will now become slaves of righteousness!!
Titus 2:11-13 puts is quite clear: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” That free grace will transform our lives. The grace of God that brings salvation demands that we give up ungodliness and worldly passions! We do not give these up to receive the grace. Grace is free – it is a gift from God. However, once we have received His grace, it will transform our lives!
Paul reminds us in Galations 5:24, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” If we have no desire to live a Godly and holy life – we have no genuine faith in God! We can’t just simply attach ourselves to the Christian faith and expect to have free reign to do whatever we want and go on living our lives as if nothing has really changed!