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 (KJV)
There has been a lot of discussion in this area of northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia in recent years about concealed carry laws. The discussion centers on where someone with a license to carry a concealed weapon may in fact carry said weapon. A number of state lawmakers have devoted a great deal of energy examining the merits of bar patrons being allowed to carry their guns with them inside the bars. I have been waiting for some wise-cracking comedian to make a joke about what a fine idea that is to have persons consuming large amounts of alcohol also packing loaded guns. I will save the sarcasm and just state my opinion that this is probably a bad idea. Just because someone has a license to carry a gun is no guarantee that the person will use it responsibly.
Paul the Apostle dealt with the issue of grace in a similar manner when he posed the question of whether or not we will continue to sin just because we are under grace. In other words, just because we have been redeemed from sin and forgiven, does that give us a license to sin? The answer is a resounding, “God forbid!” The Word of God makes is clear that we are called to live holy and honorable lives before God. Being under grace is by no means a license to sin, but rather it is power to overcome the sin which might otherwise destroy us. The grace of God in Jesus Christ has cleansed us from sin and has given us new life in Him. We are not free in Jesus to do as we please, but rather we are free to love, serve God, forgive one another, and walk in the spiritual victory the Lord brings each day.
Being under the grace of God is to experience the fullness of Jesus’ love working in and through us. We need no longer be shackled to the fear and anxiety that daily life so often causes. We are now free in Jesus to serve Him in the blessed promise that He is with us every step of the way. And as we go forward we have the assurance of a heavenly reward what outweighs anything the world can offer.
Serving and Lord and walking with Him brings true peace. Walk with Jesus in that peace today.
No comments:
Post a Comment