Doctrine of Grace

In a Sunday school, a little boy listened to the grand story of grace and how God forgives the sinner. The teacher explained that God's grace covers all sins, every kind of sin, and any given time!  The teacher also said that forgiveness of our sins would bring us happiness.  The little boy thought about his life.  The petty thefts at home for a bit more pocket money, the little lies he tells the teacher to be in her good books, all of it flashed across his mind!  He did not feel guilty at all.  He felt good about himself, so he decided he does not need to change at that time.  Since the teacher said God would forgive any sin and all sin at any time, the boy thought that he could continue living his life just the way he likes and get God to forgive 'all' his sins sometime later!

The doctrine of grace is one of the misunderstood doctrines in the Bible.  That is why Paul addresses it head-on in his letter to the Romans.   Paul says,  "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!" (Romans 6:1-2). A Christian should never consider the possibility of continuing in sin so that grace may abound.  While writing to the Thessalonians, Paul says, "For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness" (1 Thess. 4:7). Paul continues his theme on holiness and says, "If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are" (1 Cor. 3:17).  While we are saved by grace and not by our works, we are called to live a holy and sanctified life.  When we become believers, every believer is saved from the penalty of sin, and one day we will be saved from the presence of sin altogether.  But daily, we are being saved from the power of sin!  That is to say, God, Himself will help us daily through His Word and Holy Spirit to claim victory over sin. 

My friend, do not take living a holy and sanctified life lightly.  Remember, only those with a pure heart can see God (Matthew 5:8). God gave the thief on the cross an opportunity to come to Him at the last minute!  While God's grace covers all sins, all may not get an opportunity like that.  Take heed, for today is the day of salvation!

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