What does to be under God's grace means? Many preachers point to Romans 6:14, which says, “You are not under law, but under grace,” to argue that Christians, being under grace, no longer need to obey God’s law. They mistakenly assumed that grace meant they could continue in their sinful lifestyle. However, Paul bluntly reject this idea by saying that sin is a form of 'slavery that leads to death'.
He writes: “What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:15-16, NIV)
In no way does grace nullify, invalidate or even negate God’s law. Thus, the apostle Paul's pivotal statement was in the preceeding verse:
“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)
God's grace is not an excuse to sin, but rather a reason to obey and serve God more fully.
The grace of God doesn't release us of being obedient to His Laws. Grace makes obedience possible.
Grace doesn't nullify the Law, either. Grace voids the penalty for breaking God's law of righteousness. The Law defines our response and expected behavior, and God's grace provides forgiveness when we missed or don't live up to His standard.
Hence, grace is not a new concept found only in the New Testament. The entire story of God's relationship to humans is the story of His grace. The LORD proclaims Himself to be "the compassionate and gracious God who forgives wickedness, rebellion and sin" (Exodus 34:6).
Noah found "grace" in the eyes of the LORD (Genesis 6:8). In fact, the entire sacrificial system was based on grace! The sacrifices points to the blood of the Saviour! So the means of salvation has always been upon the basis of grace through the exercise of man's faith in the promise of God. Redemption is through our Jesus Christ as our Saviour "By grace you have been saved" (Ephesians 2:5).
To live "under grace" then is to become “slave of righteousness”—to be absolutely committed and dedicated to our new Master and totally rejecting our old master of sin and death.
“But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18).
One of the greatest deceptions among believers in our time is that God's grace has replaced obedience. Salvation comes through faith but obedience is the evidence of a graceful life.
God's grace leads to obedience and faithful life. Grace has not replaced obedience. They go hand in hand. When grace becomes an excuse to live in sin, you are no longer under grace, but under the deception of the "lawless One" (2 Thess. 2:8).
| RDH #Grace
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