Romans 6:1-2. 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?

Sanctification is Critical

The sanctification of the believer is critical after being saved.  You need to grow in the grace of God.  That means “quit sinning.”  When you were born again, a death occurred that day.  The old man was crucified with Jesus Christ.  He might not “feel” dead at times, but as far as God is concerned, he is dead.  We are told to reckon, to think, or treat that old man just like he is dead.  Your sin was replaced by Jesus Christ’s righteousness.  Your “state” in Christ is absolute perfection.  You have the righteousness of Christ.  You can’t do better than that.

The Grace Movement is Insane

As a result of obtaining Christ’s righteousness, you are now to walk in newness of life.  You are to keep your “standing” with God as you try to live holy.  This current grace movement that says you can live any way you please and God does not mind your sin is in direct contradiction to these verses.  You don’t sin so you can get more of God’s grace.  That is insane.  You got all of God’s righteousness and saving grace the moment you got saved. Saving grace does not need to abound or grow more; but we are to grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord for sanctification.   And sinning your way there, to heaven, does not even make sense!!!

State and Standing in the Nation of Israel

God still loved the nation of Israel and defended them, even against Baalam, when they were doing wrong.  In God’s eyes, they were perfect, especially when He was talking to the heathen.  However, God still corrected the nation of Israel and chastised them.  You have state and standing in the nation of Israel, as well.  We need to live holy, not to earn favor with God or work our way to heaven.  We live holy because we are saved and it shows to the world what has happened inside.  We are dead to sin and we should not live after its lusts any more.  How is your sanctification doing today?