Grace Has Boundaries 2

Grace Has Boundaries Part 2 Today Christians are barraged with all sorts of biblical interpretations on every type of media platform. While some of the information is solid and conforms to a sound exegesis or interpretation of the scriptures, other so-called revelations and explanations being presented to the masses are extremely off base and dangerously in error. No one has all knowledge and wisdom when it comes to the Bible, but there are some things that should be foundational and understood by every sincere believer in Jesus Christ. Grace is one of those doctrinal truths that is the rock bed of our faith. If we do not have a proper understanding of grace, we will be off when it comes to more complex theological concepts found throughout God’s written word, the Bible. Most Bible teachers and scholars describe grace as God’s free gifts to mankind, and especially with regards to salvation and redemption. The scripture plainly states, “by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8) One popular misconception gives the impression this grace is a free-for-all and willful and blatant sin does not matter or have lasting consequences. God does justify the sinner (see Romans 5:1) but He does not excuse continued and deliberate sinful lifestyles with no repentance. Paul wrote, “shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” Romans 6:1-2. Paul Instructs Titus Concerning Grace In the Apostle Paul’s letter to Titus, he clearly states: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14 Here Paul acknowledges it is grace which brings salvation, but he also asserts it teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. These are scriptural boundaries. God therefore does not give us grace to continue sinning, but to save us and keep from sinning. Firefighters put on protective clothing to fight fire, not play with fire. Yes, we may stumble and sin from time to time, but our intention should never be to continue doing evil in His sight, thinking He is okay with our loose way of living. His will is for us to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to be conformed to His image. The Apostle John said Jesus was manifested to TAKE AWAY our sins, and there is no sin in Him (1 John 3:5), therefor that should be our aim, if we truly want to be conformed to the image of God’s dear Son. Grace therefore has boundaries. It does not, as some teach or suggest today, advocate or provide an open border for sin and corrupt lifestyles. Next time we will wrap up this brief overview of grace and boundaries. Until then may God our Father richly bless you! James Brown CST 11/23/2021