Open A Print Ready Copy Here
 

After Grace – Then What?
by Lani W. Finley

We are justified by the blood of Jesus and saved by grace alone.  It is a free gift from God, and cannot be acquired by any personal performance, or human acts of righteousness.  It is only by the shed blood of Jesus Christ that we can obtain forgiveness.  It is only by His resurrection from the dead that we have access to eternal life.  Jesus Christ finished our salvation by His death and resurrection.  Nothing can be added to, or taken away from this perfect plan of redemption.   

Having said that, grace does not give a person the right to choose whatever lifestyle they desire.  There is a code of conduct which God expects from His new child?  After grace, God expects obedience to His way of life?   

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him (Heb 5:9). 

The apostle Peter even declared that receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit is predicated upon our willingness to obey God and our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him (Acts 5:32). 

Many modern Believers have failed to understand the Biblical definition of sin and the proper relationship between God’s law and grace.  However, the apostle John plainly discloses the Biblical definition of sin, as inspired by the Holy Spirit.   

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law (I Jn 3:4).  

John goes on to describe those who can rightfully claim to know God and Jesus Christ. 

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (I Jn 2:3-4). 

The apostle Paul teaches us that grace does not give us permission to sin. 

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom 6:1-2)

These scriptures make several points, which are important for every Christian to understand.

       Point One:    The Biblical definition of sin is the transgression of God’s laws (1 Jn 2: 3-4).

       Point Two:   We can only claim to know God, if we keep His commandments (1 Jn: 3-4.

       Point Three:  God forbids His children to live in a manner that includes willful, deliberate and rebellious acts of sin, which is transgression of the law (Rom 6: 1-2).   

We must be careful not to fall into the trap of worshipping God and Christ in vain; by serving them only with our lips.  For Jesus Himself, revealed the fate of those who claimed to accept Him as their Savior, but refused to act according to the will of His Father.   

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven"(Matt 7:21).

The apostle Paul not only taught the gentile churches about grace, but he also taught them that works were proof of a genuine state of repentance. 

First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds (Acts 26:20 NIV). 

There is a choice to make after grace.  And there is only one choice, which pleases God, and proves our faith.  The correct choice must be to serve God with our actions, as well as our hearts.  This will determine if we have made Jesus the Lord of our life, as well as our Redeemer.  Obedience is not earning one’s salvation, but is a fruit of grace and show appreciation for God’s love and mercy.