Is Grace Sufficient Or Is Work Necessary?

Q

I know that Jesus Christ is my savior and have repented of all my past sins. I have been saved by grace because Jesus has already paid the price for me. Thank you, Lord! So now it’s OK for me to continue on in sin that I did before I got saved? I can now do all the drugs I was doing, lie, have me a new lover on the side whenever I feel like it and everything will be OK in God’s eyes? I think you’re wrong if that’s what you’re implying. You are leading people astray by telling people stuff like this. You have to turn from your sins, and become a new creature in Christ.

A

I don’t think any truly born again believer feels free to commit any and all sins with impunity. The attitude of those I’ve known is just the opposite in that they feel great remorse for their sins and turn to the Lord in confession whenever they sin, in accordance with 1 John 1:9. The Holy Spirit, who is sealed in our heart, convicts us of our sins and leads us to confession.

Neither have I ever taught that God is OK with our sins. What I’ve taught is that the Bible says God forgave us all our sins. When Jesus went to the cross He took all the sins of our life and paid the full penalty that was due us (Colossians 2:13-15). Salvation requires only that we believe that (John 3:16).

Also, the Bible doesn’t say we have to become a new creature after we’re saved. It says if we’re in Christ we already are a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). What you seem to be saying is that unless we add to what Jesus did for us by striving to become as good as possible, we’re not saved. If so, this means you don’t believe He finished the job of saving you but only began it, and now it’s up to you to do the rest. I don’t think that’s what the Bible says.