1 What
shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?
Romans 6:1 (ESV)
As we read the scripture Paul addresses an issue
that even today is often misunderstood and still is and can be a problem in our
churches and our walk with Christ. It is the idea that we are able to continue
living a life of sin and that God’s grace will continue to be shown to us. I have
to be honest with you this idea or teaching is why some denominations have gone
astray and allow sinful acts; like homosexuality, to permeate the church. They
only teach and preach the love of God and in His love He is merciful and will
give grace to those who trust in Him. Well I guess it is time for someone to burst
that bubble. Yes, God’s grace and mercy are more than sufficient to forgive us
of all our sin’s and in that perspective the scriptures are clear. We are to
die to sin daily and ask God to strengthen our hand so that we are able to walk
in accordance with His word. But what we fail to teach those who have come to Christ;
that it requires repentance from that sin to truly be saved. Repentance means
to have regret for a past action, or a deep sorrow. The problem is often we are
taught that because of God’s grace we have been forgiven and we leave it at
that. We need to look at how Peter speaking to the crowd on the day of
Pentecost answered the crowd when they asked, “What must we do to be saved?” His
response is found in Acts 2:38,
“38 Peter replied, “Repent and be
baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of
your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
We today as Christian often leave out the call to
repentance. We are to turn from our sin with sorrow and regret asking for
forgiveness for our failure and sin. This can and should be done daily because we
are not perfect yet. I want to challenge you today to understand that we fail
to meet God’s standards on our own and we require the shed blood of Jesus to
one day walk in the presence of God. So let me warn you of this; Jesus through the
Holy Spirit cannot dwell in a house that is living contrary to God’s Word. If
you find yourself struggling it’s time to turn away from the sin and ask Jesus
to strengthen your hand; just as Nehemiah did when he was try to restore
Jerusalem. When we turn to Jesus with a heart of repentance He is more than
willing to deliver us from whatever sin we struggle with. Have a blessed day as
you walk in the light of His Word.
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You may not agree with me that is alright Jesus still loves you!