GOD'S GRACE BRINGS NEW LIFE

One of the arguments that came up regarding the topic of grace in the time of the apostle Paul is that if we are saved by the grace of God and not through our good works, then anybody can take advantage of the grace of God. A person can keep on sinning since He is only saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus. They argue that since God's grace or favor is always active and available to those who believe in Jesus, He can forgive their sins immediately, so that God can show them His kindness to forgive sins. As a result, they argue that the more they sin, the more God's grace will show in their lives. However, this argument is based on a false understanding of God's grace. Here's what the apostle Paul said in regards to this argument, "Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives (Romans 6:1-4)."

What Paul is saying is that since our salvation came through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, we have been forgiven of our sins to enable us to live a new life. God's grace or favor to forgive us of our sins should not lead us to keep on sinning, but to live new lives. A life of sin is horrible because it only brings death and destruction. Although it brings temporary excitement and thrill, it destroys what is good in us. Look what drunkenness, drug addiction, sexual addiction, adultery, infidelity, gossip, and any other kinds of sin do to us and our families. Sin destroys our lives. The grace of God gives us freedom from sin so that we can live an abundant life in God. The grace or favor of God gives us a chance to escape the life of sin. It frees us from the prison of sin and leads us to a life of righteousness. God's grace does not encourage us to sin, but it encourages us to live a new life in God.

God forgives our sins because He wants us to be clean from sin so that we can be free to live in righteousness to honor Him. We need God's grace to free us from the bondage of sin.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Does God's grace encourage me to sin? Why is God so gracious in my life? What does the grace of God encourage me to do? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, I am forgiven because of your grace. I can now live a new life that is no longer controlled by sin. I can now choose to live according to your ways. Please help me choose to live for you because a life of sin only brings me pain, suffering, and despair. I want to live for you, embracing a life filled with purpose and righteousness. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.