Grace Scandal

The message of Grace ... I believe it's often misunderstood and abused in the Christian Faith. Even in Paul's day. You know, since God will forgive by His grace when we sin, then why not just keep sinning?

It would be like me asking Jana (my wife) if she would forgive me if I cheated on her, and if she said yes, then if I was to take advantage of her forgiveness and grace and cheat (because I know she is going to forgive me) ... what kind of man would you think I am? Not only that, but wouldn't you question my love for Jana.

Isn't this what we do to God when we "take advantage" of His grace and mercy and sin? Even when we know what we are doing, or going to do is wrong?

Paul asks the question, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?"

Here are various versions of the Bible and what Paul's answer to that question is;
"Of course not!"
"May it never be!"
"That's unthinkable!"
"God forbid!"
"In no way!"
"Far be the thought!"
"May it never be! "
"let it not be! "

Listen, we are all guilty of pre-meditated sin! But as I have reflected on my own life and on many conversations I have had with other Christians who are living a life of sin, knowing good and well that what they are doing is NOT what God wants them to do, yet the do it. This has got to just break the heart of God. (yes, I know God's heart can't be broken for He is God), but I would have to think it saddens Him when we walk all over the price His son paid for our sin ... to trample on the cross of Christ, to spit in His face yet again.

I don't know what to think ... on one hand I am of course grateful and thankful that God is gracious, for I have need of it BIG TIME ... but also I am saddened that I often have taken advantage of God's grace ... but it's something to think about.

I leave you with this thought; I think that it's a sign of maturity when we allow God's Grace to STRENGTHEN us to LIVE RIGHT, rather then just depending on God's grace to cover our many sins.

What do you think?