True Love and True Obedience
Where Grace Abounds
True Love and True Obedience
Where Grace Abounds
The Christian faith, at its core, presents a narrative of redemption and transformation. Central to this narrative is the relationship between God's love and human response. The notion that God’s love permits continuous sinning is a misinterpretation of Christian doctrine. Instead, true love in Christianity is intrinsically linked to obedience.
God’s Love: A Foundational Doctrine
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Romans 5:8 - "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
These verses highlight the unconditional nature of God's love, demonstrating it through the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ.
The Misconception of Grace as a License to Sin
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?"
1 John 3:9 - "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
These passages refute the idea that God's grace allows continued sinning. They emphasize a transformation in those who have accepted God’s love.
True Love and Obedience
John 14:15 - "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 John 5:3 - "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."
Obedience to God’s commandments is portrayed not as a burden, but as a natural response to His love.
The Role of Repentance
Acts 3:19 - "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out."
1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Repentance is a crucial element in the Christian journey, signifying a sincere turn from sin towards a life of obedience.
Conclusion
The essence of Christian living lies not in the presumption of God's love as an excuse for sin, but in embracing that love through a life of obedience and transformation. The relationship between God’s love and human response is one of reciprocity - where divine love calls for human obedience, and in this obedience, the true nature of God's love is realized.
There are so many that think since they are saved, they can sin because God will forgive. This was a good article.
When I was choosing to follow Christ and sometimes fall into sin I would hate myself and yet some can freely sin without fear of never hearing the Lord say depart from me. 1 John always called me back and made me truly think. Sin isn’t worth it. And I said if I say I love Him why not keep His commandments.