MikeOharaLive the intersection of faith and life

Costly Grace

God's grace is free but it wasn't cheap.  It's freely given to those who have faith in Jesus, but it cost God everything.  I cheapen grace when I think it's a license to sin.  "I can do whatever I want, God will forgive me."  That's cheap grace.  I also cheapen grace when I think grace is extended to me because of my discipline, morality, good deeds, etc.  "Because I live a good life God will show me grace."  More cheap grace.

To cheapen grace is to deny the deadliness of sin.  If I live however I want (license to sin) I'm really saying that sin has no consequence or effect.  If I live a moral, upright life in order to attain grace I'm really saying that I can control and conquer sin on my own merit.

It's when we truly understand sin's deadliness that we understand the amazing grace of God.  We understand that grace doesn't move us toward wayward living, nor does it move us toward moralism; Grace moves us toward  a Savior.  Unrighteous living doesn't save, and righteous living doesn't save.  Jesus saves.