What exactly is grace?
Grace is God’s unearned favor. It doesn’t come through effort or achievement but as a gift, as Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches. We didn’t deserve it, yet God extended it to us. Ephesians 2:1–5 paints the picture clearly—lost in sin and heading toward destruction, we lacked the power to save ourselves.
In that hopeless state, God intervened. He sent Jesus, His Son, as the perfect sacrifice to give us freedom.
Though Jesus was fully God, He humbled Himself for our sake. He didn’t gain anything for Himself; instead, He gave up everything for us.
Grace Is Not Permission to Sin
Paul raises a challenging question in Romans 6:15:
If we’ve received grace, does that mean we can continue living in sin?
Of course not.
Hebrews 10:26 warns that deliberate sin after knowing the truth leads to judgment, not mercy. Jude builds on this, urging believers not to twist grace into a license for immorality (Jude v. 4). He supports his warning with three serious examples from history:
1. The Israelites (Jude v. 5)
When the Israelites cried out in slavery, God responded. He raised up Moses and promised to lead them into a land filled with abundance (Exodus 3:7–8).
Before entering that land, twelve spies explored it. Ten brought back fear-filled reports, focusing on the strength of the enemies. Only Joshua and Caleb chose to trust God (Numbers 13:26–33).
Despite witnessing miracles like the Red Sea’s parting and manna from heaven, the Israelites followed fear, not faith. They rebelled and grumbled against God (Numbers 14:2–4).
As a result, God denied entry into the Promised Land to everyone except Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:28–30).
Lesson: Ignoring God’s promises and giving in to fear can cost us His blessings. He offers chances, but consistent rebellion has consequences.
2. The Fallen Angels (Jude v. 6)
Lucifer once held a powerful, anointed position in heaven (Ezekiel 28:13–14). But pride corrupted his heart. He no longer wanted to serve—he wanted to rise above God Himself (Isaiah 14:13–15).
His pride led to rebellion. His rebellion brought judgment and eternal separation from God.
Lesson: Failing to remain faithful to God’s calling—and letting pride take over—can lead to the loss of position and purpose.
3. Sodom and Gomorrah (Jude v. 7)
These cities sat in a lush, vibrant region that resembled Eden itself (Genesis 13:10). Yet, their sin became extreme.
When angels visited Lot, the men of the city demanded to abuse them (Genesis 19:5–8). Lot tried reasoning with them, even offering his daughters, but they refused.
Later, Lot’s daughters, deeply influenced by their corrupt environment, committed incest with their father (Genesis 19:30–38).
Eventually, God rained down fire and sulfur, wiping out the cities completely (Genesis 19:24–25).
Lesson: Persistent sin leads to total ruin. Grace has a limit, and when people refuse to turn back, judgment follows.
Final Thoughts: Respect the Gift of Grace
God offers grace freely and gives us many chances to turn from sin. He waits with patience. He forgives again and again.
But we must not take that kindness lightly. Repeated, intentional sin shows contempt for the sacrifice Christ made. Eventually, persistent rebellion invites consequences.
Let grace lead us to transformation, not complacency.
Let gratitude inspire obedience, not indulgence.
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