When Paul proclaimed the message of salvation by grace, apart from works or human effort (Ephesians 2:8,9), there were some who interpreted that as meaning that we are now free to live any way that we choose. Beloved, that is not how the grace of God teaches us to live. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)
The very same grace that saves us also enables us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit day by day. The grace of God will cause us to walk in holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7) and purity (1 John 3:3). Once we have truly tasted of the Lord’s graciousness (1 Peter 2:2), we develop reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28) that compels us to walk carefully (Ephesians 5:15).
One of the warnings that must be remembered is that of turning the doctrine of the holy grace of God into a license for loose, ungodly living (Jude 4). May we hear what the Word of God tells us about the practical element of living in grace on a daily basis. May “the God of all grace” (1 Peter 5:10) strengthen us to do the will of God for the glory of the Lord Jesus.
