Grace Has Boundaries 1

Grace Has Boundaries Part 1 In today's culture, many people are confused about grace. There are some who claim grace is a freedom from any or most restrictions. They believe Jesus Christ has made us free from the Law and that would exclude them from adhering to any type of moral code that would seemingly enslave them to rules and boundaries. The proponents of this understanding believe sin has been dealt with once and for all and therefore there is no need to consider it. This, of course, runs counter to all of New Testament teaching. The early apostles consistently made it clear to the churches and new believers their need for repentance and turning away from habitually living immoral or ungodly lives so they could be pleasing to God. They made sure the followers of Christ understood the grace of God has boundaries. The word grace does not merely mean unmerited favor, although that is certainly true. It also means a supernatural empowerment from God for a specific purpose. In this case, grace empowers us to believe the gospel, receive Christ as Lord and Savior, and to live righteous and holy lives before God. For sure none of us have arrived, but God not only judges our actions, but the motives and intentions of our heart. He knows those who are truly turning from sin to follow Him, and those who only want a ticket to heaven while they purposely continue to choose an ungodly and immoral lifestyle. The Bible says, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." Gal 6:7-8 To Be Continued. Until then, may God our Father richly bless you! James Brown CST 10/20/2021