Understanding Grace

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? Whose damnation is just. (Romans 3:5-8)

The apostle Paul asked an important question that has perplexed many Christians: Does God’s righteousness give us a pass to sin without consequences?

Paul gave his answer to the question with a resounding, “GOD FORIBD!” He entirely denied the idea that we should purposely sin to somehow magnify God’s grace.

In fact, he said, if this is the case, “then how shall God judge the world?”

Using grace as a license for sin cheapens the grace of God. God’s grace has been given to us, so we can walk in righteousness, transformed from people living in darkness to children of the light.

In fact, John tells us in 1 John 1:9 that we must confess our sins, and God, who is faithful and just, will forgive and cleanse us. That’s written to Christians. God’s grace does not negate the necessity we have to confess and ask forgiveness. God’s grace and power is given to us through forgiveness and reconciliation.

God has given us grace, not so we can keep sinning, but so that our sins can be forgiven and our heart changed.

Be quick to repent. We all make mistakes; the issue comes when we try to cover them up, make excuses, or pretend it did not happen. This never helps us move forward. When you sin, quickly go to God. Ask for forgiveness, receive it, and thank God, believing you will not fall into it again.