I think the problem really is misinterpretation: see what this is all about
Satan has so perverted the gospel of grace such that a 'Christian' can get up in the morning from the bed of fornication without guilt, wipe himself or herself with the towel of grace, go out on christian activities and return in the evening to the same act.
We have been
told often times that we are in the era of grace and not of law; which
is absolutely scriptural. But there is a problem which can no longer be
ignored: Grace being misinterpreted.
Like many other blessings of the kingdom, grace is multidimensional. Hence the issue has always been that many preachers overemphasize an expect of grace and totally neglect other aspects, thereby presenting an unbalanced gospel of grace resulting in total misinterpretation of this precious gift.
Grace has at least three dimensions, viz:
Like many other blessings of the kingdom, grace is multidimensional. Hence the issue has always been that many preachers overemphasize an expect of grace and totally neglect other aspects, thereby presenting an unbalanced gospel of grace resulting in total misinterpretation of this precious gift.
Grace has at least three dimensions, viz:
- Grace for sinners' salvation (Titus 2:11, 1st Timothy 1:12-16, Acts 15:11)
- Grace for saints' sanctification (Acts 20:32, Titus 2:12, Hebrews 10:22)
- Grace for sacrificial service (Hebrews 12:28, 1st Corinthians 3:10)
As true as this may be, it is not the whole truth. It is not a full representation of the work of grace. it is just an aspect of the work of grace. And worse still, (take it or leave it), its overemphasis is doing more harm than good in Christianity. No wonder, Scripture queried: "shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid." This class of teaching is supposed to be of greater emphasis in the field where sinners and the unsaved are. Where as the emphasis within the church where the supposed "saints" are assembled will be on laying hold on grace to stay away from sin and serving God in righteousness. That is: grace for sanctification; grace for holiness; grace for acceptable kingdom stewardship.
Hebrews 12:28 presents to
us this aspect of grace that is being greatly under-emphasized, ignored
and neglected. That is, GRACE FOR HOLINESS.
...wherefore we
receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, LET US HAVE GRACE, WHEREBY we
may SERVE GOD ACCEPTABLY WITH REVERENCE AND GODLY FEAR.
This simply means that we are to take grace and use it for sanctified, holy living and service to God. Grace confers responsibility on the
believer. Grace is not a ticket to live in sin but a weapon with which
to resist sin. Grace does not make us weak, grace makes us strong. Grace
does not make us irresponsible, grace empowers us to take
responsibility to stand in holiness (Titus 2:12). Also
Romans 5:17 tells us that we must take responsibility to receive and use
grace and the gift of righteousness to reign in life. And you know
there is no reigning in God's kingdom that excludes holiness for He says
be ye holy, for i am holy.
The truth is that, most of us claiming to be living by grace have actually been neglecting the true essence of grace. We are to hold grace everyday and with it live godly. But instead, we have kept God's gift of grace in lockers, unused. A few of us only remember to pick it when we have fallen deep into sin and many others never do.
Satan has so perverted the gospel of grace such that a 'Christian' can get up in the morning from the bed of fornication without guilt, wipe himself or herself with the towel of grace, go out on christian activities and return in the evening to the same act. Everyday we see increasing numbers of 'Christians' living in sin and claiming grace. let's not deceive ourselves, that's no grace but disgrace.
But God is still calling everyone to repentance. He wants us to embrace the true essence of grace; that higher dimension of grace, which is Grace for Holiness. It is the grace that produces overcomers. And note that we have the responsibility to
1. receive it and
2. use it
You can hold this weapon of grace today by making a deliberate commitment to come out of every trap of sin and genuinely ask for the help of the Holy Spirit.
And you can continue to use this weapon for a life of victory over sin and satan through
1. prayer warfare
2. Faith motivated actions
3. Word engagement and
4. Kingdom identity consciousness.
May we ever reign in holiness through grace in Jesus name.
The truth is that, most of us claiming to be living by grace have actually been neglecting the true essence of grace. We are to hold grace everyday and with it live godly. But instead, we have kept God's gift of grace in lockers, unused. A few of us only remember to pick it when we have fallen deep into sin and many others never do.
Satan has so perverted the gospel of grace such that a 'Christian' can get up in the morning from the bed of fornication without guilt, wipe himself or herself with the towel of grace, go out on christian activities and return in the evening to the same act. Everyday we see increasing numbers of 'Christians' living in sin and claiming grace. let's not deceive ourselves, that's no grace but disgrace.
But God is still calling everyone to repentance. He wants us to embrace the true essence of grace; that higher dimension of grace, which is Grace for Holiness. It is the grace that produces overcomers. And note that we have the responsibility to
1. receive it and
2. use it
You can hold this weapon of grace today by making a deliberate commitment to come out of every trap of sin and genuinely ask for the help of the Holy Spirit.
And you can continue to use this weapon for a life of victory over sin and satan through
1. prayer warfare
2. Faith motivated actions
3. Word engagement and
4. Kingdom identity consciousness.
May we ever reign in holiness through grace in Jesus name.
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