WHAT’S SO AMAZING ABOUT GOD’S GRACE?

“Can We Really Do Whatever We Like?” –  Romans 6: 1

In 2008 recording artist Tip Harris better known as T.I. produced a song called Whatever You Like. It was released as the lead single (second overall) from his sixth studio album, Paper Trail (2008):

“Stacks on deck, Patron on ice and we can pop bottles all night. And baby you can have whatever you like. I said you could have whatever you like.”

The relative question for the Christian is, if God has freely given grace to overcome our sins why can’t we do whatever we like? The Apostle Paul addressed this question in Romans chapter 6 which is called “The Declaration of Emancipation” because it declares that we are no longer slaves to sin. The Apostle Paul senses a “Do whatever you like” understanding of God’s grace based upon interpretation of grace abounding over sin given in the previous chapter (Romans 5:21).

Romans chapter 6 captures the thoughts of the reader who would sarcastically think, “If grace abounds when there is sin, let’s really sin so that grace can really abound!” It is for that reason that Paul opens Romans chapter 6 with the question, “What then, shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”

Romans chapter 6 is a clear directive to every believer that grace does not allow us to do whatever we want as though God is ok with it. To live how you want, to do what you want without respect for God’s will, way, wishes and His Word and then lean on God’s grace as a means to support a sinful lifestyle is grace abuse.

Lewis Smede says, “Grace is not a ticket to Fantasy Island. Grace is not a potion to charm life to our liking. Grace does not cure all our cancers, transform all our kids into winners, or send us all soaring into the high skies of sex and success. Grace is the amazing power to look earthy reality full in the face, see its sad and tragic edges, feel its cruel cuts, join in the primeval chorus against its outrageous unfairness, and yet feel in your deepest being that it is good and right for you to be alive on God’s good earth.”

What’s So Amazing About Grace?

Grace Leads You to Commitment

Charles Spurgeon in a sermon titled, “The Obedience of Faith” said, “The more of faith in Him you have, the more of obedience to Him will you manifest.” Our faith should drive us to holy committed living.

Grace Lifts Your Consciousness

When one becomes aware that everything they have or have become is a result of God’s grace it is as if a bright light illumines ones spirituality.

Grace Lightens Your Convictions

When the Christian does sin there remains the assurance that grace is still working on their behalf. What it all boils down to is this; if your heart is not right you will never know the value of God’s Grace! Conviction of sin is necessary to appreciating grace.

In The Grip of Grace,

Dr. Oscar T. Moses