Grace Is Not A Licence To Sin

Romans 5:20 ‘The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,’

Law paved the way for violations of rule and order. 

Sins of this world are increasing day after day. But when Jesus died on the cross as a mediator between God and people, where sin increases, grace increases all the more.

Romans 6:1-2 ‘What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?’

What does this verse teach us? Just because grace increases where sin is doesn't mean we can keep sinning. When Paul wrote these words in Greek, he was strictly addressing the people and commanding them not to sin. He emphasises that we have died to sin.

Our hearts attitude should be such that we no longer live in sin and we have nothing to do with sin. Just because God has forgiven and will forgive our sins doesn’t give us the freedom to sin.

Galatians 6:7-8 ‘Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.’
 
Don’t think you can trick God. God can see a person’s heart. He knows our thoughts and actions.

Now, even if God forgives our sins, there are certain things which cannot be reversed. When an unmarried woman becomes pregnant, there is a sowing of seed. Later on when she receives Jesus into her life, her sins are forgiven but the baby is still growing inside of her. It cannot be reversed. The baby will not disappear. She will reap what has been sown. 

This is why Paul says, do not be deceived! 

Grace is given to all of us but be mindful of your actions. Do not take grace for granted. Grace is not a licence to continue in sin. 

Psalm 18:25-26 ‘25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, 26 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.


Summary
We have been learning about God’s grace for the past few days. One of the most important things one needs to keep in mind is that - grace is not a licence to sin. God is humble and merciful enough to forgive us for all our shortcomings but do not try to mock God. He knows our heart inside out. He sees our thoughts and actions. 
Watch this series of teachings by Br. Damien where he gives us a deeper understanding of the grace of our Lord Jesus.

Watch full video here: