What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

(Romans 6:1-2)

Thank God for His abounding Grace! 

Here is a question, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?".  Oftentimes, grace is misunderstood.  Why did God bestow His grace anyway?  Is it for us to continue in sin?  God forbid! 

Many people, even some Christians think that grace is a license to sin, and because God is patient to usward, that is why many people would keep on sinning.  The word continue means to go on sinning or to increase in sinful deeds.  You know it is wrong but you go on anyway. Why?  Because of ignorance, and because of bondage to sin.  

The truth is that God hates sin, and if God would not bestow His grace, no one will be saved.  We are sinners and no one has kept God's standard of righteousness.  Everyone has failed God and is condemned to eternal punishment. It is by His grace that we are saved through faith. 

 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

(Romans 3:10)

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

(Romans 3:23)

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(Romans 6:23)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

(Ephesians 2:8-9)

It is by God's grace that we are saved.  Grace was demonstrated by God when Christ died on the cross for our sins. 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:8)

When we accept Jesus by faith, we are saved because of His grace.  But grace does not stop there at salvation.  His grace continues to enable us to walk with Him.  Many times we do fail him, yet He is forgiving.  Many times we sin, yet He is patient toward us and does not immediately punish us. Many times we doubt and are faithless, yet He continues to guide, comfort, and strengthen us.  Grace is not an excuse for us to sin, but a reason for us to stand up when we fall so that we can walk with God in fellowship with Him.  It is because of God's goodness despite our many failures, that we are encouraged to seek Him more and to love Him more. If truly you are dead to sin but alive to God, your desire is to grow spiritually by God's grace.  

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)

 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:11)

E.J.