A continuation of post Just if I’d Never Sinned – Whay Moore Gospel
In Romans 6:1-2, the Apostle Paul poses a profound question that resonates with every believer: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” This powerful statement addresses a misunderstanding some might have about God’s grace. As Christians, we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9), but Paul makes it clear that this divine gift is not a license to persist in sinful behavior. Salvation is the beginning of a transformed life, not an excuse to remain unchanged. God’s grace, freely given, calls us to a higher standard of living that reflects His holiness and love.
Paul elaborates in Romans 6:4, explaining that through baptism into Christ’s death, we are buried with Him and raised to walk in “newness of life.” This imagery is striking: just as Christ died and rose again, we too die to our old sinful selves and are resurrected into a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our salvation is not merely a transaction for eternal security; it is a call to live differently. The old self, enslaved to sin, is crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6), freeing us from sin’s dominion. This transformation is both a gift and a responsibility, urging us to align our actions with our new identity in Christ.
The freedom we receive through Christ is not freedom to sin, but freedom from sin’s control. In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” This verse underscores that our liberty in Christ is meant for serving God and others, not for indulging selfish desires. The grace that saves us also empowers us to live righteously, to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and to reflect Christ’s character in our daily lives. To misuse this freedom is to misunderstand the purpose of our salvation.
Paul’s teaching challenges us to examine our hearts and actions. In Romans 6:12-13, he urges believers not to let sin reign in their bodies or to offer themselves as instruments of wickedness, but instead to present themselves to God as instruments of righteousness. This is a daily choice—to turn away from temptation and to pursue holiness. While we will never be perfect this side of eternity, the trajectory of our lives should show growth in godliness. The Holy Spirit within us strengthens us to resist sin and to live in a way that honors the One who paid the ultimate price for our redemption.
The world may tempt us to view grace as a safety net for careless living, but Paul’s words remind us that such thinking is incompatible with the gospel. In Titus 2:11-12, Paul writes that God’s grace “teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Grace is not only our salvation but also our teacher, guiding us toward a life that glorifies God. It equips us to live with purpose, resisting the pull of sin and embracing the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).
Let us, therefore, walk in the Spirit, relying on God’s strength to live out our calling. We are not saved to continue in sin, but to be transformed into the image of Christ. May our lives reflect the beauty of His grace as we pursue holiness, love others, and shine as lights in a dark world. Let’s commit to living for Him, empowered by His Spirit, and anchored in His truth. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).