What then? Are we to sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means.
Romans 6:15
I find it interesting that we live in a time where discipline in homes has shifted from quick and swift discipline to time out and talks, trying to reason with children. Don’t get me wrong, I believe it is essential to talk with children about the discipline, but also I think discipline is important. My mom would have made a great prison warden when I was growing up. There were not time-out chairs in the corner of a room. There were no easy forms of discipline that she administered. I never knew what time out was. When I was a child, time out was when my mom sent me out to play.
With her small, under 5-foot frame, I still believe she could have whooped Buford Pusser in the classic movie “Walking Tall.” For those of you who never saw the movie, Buford was the new sheriff in a town full of sin, and his equalizer was a large piece of wood that looked like a long square baseball bat. This piece of wood is what he frequently used to “fair up” fights. Buford placed no one in time out corners with their noses to the wall as a gracious rebuke. No one presumed upon his grace.
But in today’s climate, there is none of that. Today children experience passive punishment and unlimited grace. But what does that mean for us? How does any of this relate to Romans 6:15? I believe a healthy fear of God and his discipline of us is a good perspective, but I also believe acting out of love for God is a better view.
Here’s what I mean. Keep reading.
Should we presume upon God’s Grace?
What exactly is Paul trying to say in the first part of this verse? Remember, the law is in place to remind us that we are far from perfect and unable to meet God’s standard. This is why God sent Jesus. There is one thing about the law…it is very clear. There are no gray areas. So you can understand when Paul talked about the generosity of God’s grace that this intrigued people because they were no longer held to an unattainable standard (Romans 3:23).
In fact, some people attempt to use God’s generous and patient grace to sin even more because they feel the law now plays an insignificant role in their lives. I’ve heard people actually say it’s ok to sin because God’s grace now extends to them to cover whatever sin they choose. So what do you think? Does God’s grace continue to cover whatever sin you continue to do? Was this God’s desire in providing grace?
No one should presume upon God’s Grace
I would say with certainty that those who love Jesus and follow Him should not live lives that test the patience and grace that God extends to us. Here’s why. Because if we love Jesus, we will not want to do things that dishonor Him. Sinning just so that you can be assured that Jesus is going to forgive you is like lying down in front of a train with the assurance the conductor will stop the train before it hits you. Who does that? Seriously. Who does that?
Paul is so clear in this passage that he answers very clearly with one word. No. Is it that simple? Yes, it’s that simple.
The Christian life is not about what we can get away with; it is about living lives of holiness that point people to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). This is true love, devotion, and sacrifice on our part. Are you ready to get up off the tracks and start living a life that honors Jesus?
There is no reason to presume any longer. Live lives of holiness, and live a life with no regrets.