In 1779, John Newton penned the words to the very famous hymn “Amazing Grace”. And God’s grace that can save us who are wretched and lost is nothing short of amazing. The Apostle Paul put it clearly in his letter to the church at Ephesus, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” (Ephesians 2:8).
Grace is a highly discussed subject in today’s christian world. Many christians argue that this grace allows them to do basically whatever they choose, and they say they are now “free from the law”. However, being free from the law, simply means that salvation is not achieved by the works of the law, but by faith alone. It DOES NOT mean that we no longer have to obey God’s law. In fact, Jesus Christ put it about as clear as anyone could, when He said, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me.” (John 14:21)
So, while grace IS a free gift, and it IS by faith alone – in Christ alone, TRUE faith in Christ Jesus will result in a desire to please Him, a longing to live a holy life as He commanded, and through God’s law (the Bible), our eyes are opened to what is truly right and what is truly wrong. Look at Titus 2:11-13, “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…”
It IS God’s amazing grace that brings us salvation, BUT it is ALSO that amazing grace that teaches us to no longer follow this world, flee the paths of sin, and to hate and despise the flesh and it’s worldly passions and lusts. IF we TRULY have a relationship with Jesus Christ – we WILL long to know Him more, to walk closer with Him, and to “live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age”. We ARE NOT “FREE” to do whatever we choose. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)