Grace - A Call to a Powerful Life

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:1-2)

Unfortunately, there are many pastors and preachers who are teaching about grace improperly. Because of this, Christians have become confused about what grace does and what it doesn’t do. Many have misinterpreted God’s mercy for His grace. They think God’s grace allows us to sin any way we want and walk away without consequences, still fully forgiven. This is a gross misinterpretation of Scripture.

However, this doctrine of extreme grace we are facing today isn’t new. The same doctrine tried to creep into the churches during Paul’s day, so he writes this epistle to clear up false doctrine.

Paul challenged Christians to recognize that when we embrace God’s grace, we are called to die to our old life of sin. Grace is not a license for doing wrong or indulging in whatever our flesh feels like - it is God’s catalyst for change. God’s grace empowers believers to do what was previously impossible for them - to break free from the bondage of sin and become transformed into living a powerful new life walking by the Spirit.

The Spirit-led life means we have a transformed heart, mind, and will that desires to follow God. We seek God’s will for our lives more than anything else. Do not abuse the grace that God has given. Instead, allow His power to change your mind, your heart, and your expectations to walk in the fullness of power He desires to work through you.

Practical Application

You will have opportunities to talk with other Christians who have a misunderstood idea about grace. Help them by telling them what God’s Word says and not allow them to fall into false doctrine that can encourage sin and sin’s consequences in their life.

Romans 6:15; Romans 2:4

Dangers of Willful Sin

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:26-29)

There are consequences to sin, both for those who are saved and the unsaved.

The author of Hebrews gave us a serious warning about Christians who become complacent, indifferent, and deliberately do what they know the Bible tells them not to do.

Christians who knowingly go against God’s Word are in spiritual rebellion against the knowledge of God’s will. Hebrews 10:26-29 talks about those who sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth. The word knowledge is epignosis and means the full, exact, complete knowledge of the truth.

Some consequences of spiritual rebellion are certain fearful looking for judgement and fiery indignation. This is how serious sin is for the Christian who knows better. God is a just God. He will not overlook intentional transgression, especially from those who have been taught and know the truth.

To illustrate this, the consequences of disobeying the laws of Moses are used. Under the Old Covenant, people who went against the law would be stoned or even killed for what they had done. Not because God wanted to kill them, but because the wages of sin is death and by participating in the sin, death came as a natural consequence. The writer of Hebrews then asked how much sorer punishment should happen to those who know the truth and have received Jesus’ mercy and still went against His commands? The command to live holy isn’t a suggestion; it’s an empowered responsibility for New Covenant believers.

Practical Application

Remain vigilant and keep living holy! Seek God when temptation shows up. Be quick to prayer, be quick to pray in the Spirit, and resist temptation.

Hebrews 2:2; Romans 9:15

Unveiling Grace

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. (Zechariah 12:10-11)

Zechariah gives a prophesy about a moment in the future when the Holy Spirit, known as the Spirit of Grace, will be poured out upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the house of David.

Today, most people who adhere and believe in the tenants of Judaism believe the Messiah has not yet come. They are waiting for Him to come the first time, but we know He has come and is returning a second time.

In Zechariah’s prophesy, there will be a moment in the future when all of Israel’s eyes are open to the truth of who Jesus is. They will behold the “One they had pierced”. It will affect them greatly. There will be much mourning as they realize they had not seen what Jesus had done and not spent their life worshipping Him. They will then turn to repentance and look toward God’s mercy.

The church did not replace Israel. Israel is still a major part of God’s plan, and they are still the chosen people. We have been grafted into the olive branch, thank God, but we are not the Olive branch itself.

What a testament this prophecy is to God’s unending, unwavering love for His people. He didn’t discard or replace Israel. He extends His grace to them and asks others to supplicate for them.

Practical Application

Pray for Israel. We are believing God that the eyes of their understanding will be enlightened, and they will see Jesus for who He truly is. We also pray for their peace and their protection as a part of our family of faith.

Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:30