What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? (Rom 6:1).
This verse is one of the most misunderstood in the whole New Testament. Many times we read into it what we think it says not what it really says. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” is not the same thing as “if we continue in sin will grace abound?”
The first does not challenge abounding grace but only challenges our response to abounding grace. The latter, challenges abounding grace. Two totally different questions.
Let’s answer the second question. If we continue in sin will grace abound? The answer is YES! Grace always abounds. Why do I say so? Two verses before our text, Paul answers the same question.
But the Law entered so that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, (Rom 5:20).
The price that was paid is far greater than any sin that anyone can ever commit. Sin cannot stop grace because grace is the cure for sin. Man’s extremity is only God’s opportunity. You can’t out spend God’s grace, it’s inexhaustible.
Where sin abounds grace abounds much more.
Some argue that in this verse, grace means power over sin. I totally agree that grace many times mean power over sin but not in this verse. If grace means power over sin in this verse then Paul’s question would have been irrelevant. How can you ask whether we should continue in sin that grace may abound if grace is power over sin?
Grace here talks about God’s everlasting mercy, His forgiveness.
Should we continue in sin because grace always abounds? The answer is a resounding NO!
Why? Paul gives the answer.
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom 6:2).
The reason that we do not continue in sin is not because grace will not abound. Grace always abounds. Paul says that we do not continue in sin because we are dead to sin.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus killed the old sinner on the cross. I was crucified with Christ. The cross is not just the revelation of the death of Christ. It’s the revelation of my death. The liar is dead, the fornicator is dead, and the thief was killed on the cross. The old man is dead, and buried. Dead men don’t bite.
We are dead to sin. The problem is that we are just getting to find out.
Even so see yourselves as dead to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus. (Rom 6:11). Bbe.
In the same way, you must think of yourselves as dead to the power of sin. But Christ Jesus has given life to you, and you live for God. (Rom 6:11). Cev
If I continue in sin will grace abound? Yes. Do I abuse this right? No. why? I’m dead to sin and I’m now getting to find out.
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5 comments:
Thanks for explaining this often misunderstood verse of scripture. How can we ever put a limit on His grace? Whenever we see our sin as being greater than His grace - we bring ourselves into condemnation. When we see His grace as being greater than our sin - we experience His superabounding grace. Amen.
Many preachers have been accused of preaching an extreme grace gospel that will give people the license to sin. But how can that be when we are dead to sin?
Thanks for this great post! Shalom...:)
This is a good post. I would also take it a step further though.....or add another qualifier: Yes grace will abound where there is sin, but a person cannot continue in their sin ( a lifestyle of unrepentant sin) and be saved. Repentance, perserverance & sanctification are all required to inherit eternal life.
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, the verbally abusive, and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God. Some of you once lived this way. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
Hi Anon,
Grace has no qualifier; Grace is pure unmerited favour from God ... what you are saying is that we need to earn our salvation through "Repentance, perserverance & sanctification" (whatever that really means) and that is NOT Grace.
The passage you quoted ... notice that it says "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (emphasis in bold mine)... the washing, sanctification and justification are all done, completed, past tense ... Jesus cried out on the cross "It is finished", it is all His work and we can add nothing to it.
Stanley,
I think I didn't make myself clear. Let me say this:
Ezekiel 36, 24-27......."For "I" will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. (SEPERATION)! Then "I" will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; "I" will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, "I" will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and "I" will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. "I" will put a new Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.
Do you see any "doubt" in these words? This is the God of the Bible and He isn't sitting up there "wrenching" His hands "hoping" someone will co-operate. He is doing a work. He will do a work. And He will finish His work. This isn't about a "works" salvation... but the same power of God that raises a dead sinner to life has the same power to change that life!
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