NonModern Nugget: Grace and Sin
God’s people are not the answer to the world’s sin problem. But as sinners, we can sure contribute to making things worse.
God in His love has provided the only solution: grace.
If you are a follower of Jesus you should understand the fact that you did not earn His love through your holiness. The very possibility that you can approximate a lifestyle that pleases Him is only possible by means of His grace, forgiveness, and power.
When we try to force a holy lifestyle on unredeemed people with a judgmental and holier than thou attitude, we are not being the people of God. We are acting like Christ’s greatest enemies, the Pharisees.
If you want the people of your nation to live lives pleasing to God: love them. Share His story of love with them. Then and only then can they accept the grace that will make sanctification possible.
Otherwise, if you feel persecuted for your stances you need to ask yourself: Is it because of your faith that compels you to love others, or your hateful attitude that leaves no room for grace?
If you are a follower of Jesus you should understand the fact that you did not earn His love through your holiness. The very possibility that you can approximate a lifestyle that pleases Him is only possible by means of His grace, forgiveness, and power.
When we try to force a holy lifestyle on unredeemed people with a judgmental and holier than thou attitude, we are not being the people of God. We are acting like Christ’s greatest enemies, the Pharisees.
If you want the people of your nation to live lives pleasing to God: love them. Share His story of love with them. Then and only then can they accept the grace that will make sanctification possible.
Otherwise, if you feel persecuted for your stances you need to ask yourself: Is it because of your faith that compels you to love others, or your hateful attitude that leaves no room for grace?
I totally agree with what you say, but on the flip side,we must not say that sin is not sin. Is.5:10
ReplyDeleteTrue.
ReplyDeleteI think however that we are not to be in denial about our own sin.
There is also a corporate dimension to confession, but I don't get that vibe from the vocal anti-homosexual crowd. Instead of saying, "We are a sinful people." They are trying to force a morality on others that is highly selective. You don't hear these people up in arms about the sins that Jesus was focused on like injustice, financial corruption, lack of compassion for foreigners, and violence. In fact many of them would be in support of some of our cultural sins in these areas. I can't help feel that homosexuality is given a special place as the worst of sins due to a fear of the other.
In my experience, the best way for a person to recognize and repent from sin is for them to be convicted of it by God through an encounter with Christ, not to codify their sin into law. Look at how well prohibition or the "Just say No" campaign worked at curbing sin.