Will Grace Cause You to Sin?


062514_Will_Grace_Make_You_Sin_eblastHave you ever heard some well-meaning Christian say that too much of grace will cause people to sin? Probably. That warning, unfortunately, accomplishes just the opposite of what is intended. Inadvertently, it is actually encouraging believers to take their eyes off of Jesus to some degree (however small), in order to

engage the flesh in their battle to overcome the flesh. Now that is a sure recipe for spiritual failure!

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Rom. 8:6,7)

What does having a “mind set on the flesh” mean? Contrary to what many think, when Paul speaks of a “mind set on the flesh,” he is not speaking only of a mind set on immoral things. He is, in fact, principally speaking of a person who is trying to serve God with the ability of the flesh. He has in mind both the notorious sinner and the highly religious person who is trying to fix the flesh with the flesh. Such a person cannot please God.

What does such a person need? Grace added upon grace and more grace on top of that! Grace is the solution, not the problem. Instead of causing people to sin, grace teaches believers to say no to ungodliness. And, even more importantly, empowers them not to sin.

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 NKJV)

Preaching grace is telling men to look to Jesus and His finished work for everything. It is proclaiming Jesus as the answer to every question and the solution to every problem. It is refusing to put any confidence in the ability of the flesh. It is denying that any good thing can be produced by the flesh, especially the religious flesh. It is telling men to look to Jesus and what He did for them alone; to never take their eyes off Him, regardless of outward circumstances and failures. It is He who purifies us for Himself and makes us zealous for good work.

Child of God, can it ever be true that looking totally and always unto Jesus alone will cause you to sin? Grace does not cause you to sin. It places your eyes on Jesus, allowing Him to work in you both to will and do His good pleasure. 

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