Mercy is Not a License to Sin
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Mar 26, 2023
- 2 min read
God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. (Romans 3:6-8)
Romans 3:6-8 addresses the question about mercy and sin that many wonder about today. Since God is merciful, does that mean we have a license to sin? Can we do whatever we want, although it is contrary to God’s Word, and then expect mercy to cover us? Paul said God does not give us permission to sin, but He empowers us to live holy lives.
Paul reminded us if we use God's mercy as a license to sin, we are in effect saying that God's judgment is not just. If we believed this, then how can God judge the world fairly? Paul reminded us that this is not the case and that God's judgment is just.
In Romans 6:1, Paul continued this thought by asking, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” He reminded us that grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, empowers us to live a holy and righteous life.
God’s mercy is not an excuse to sin, be lazy or to not take responsibility for our actions. Rather, God’s mercy and grace give us the strength to resist sin and to live in obedience to God's will.As believers, we are called to live a life of holiness and righteousness; we are called to be on fire for God and hungry to be used by God to do His will. We are not saved by works, but our works should be the evidence of our faith.
Practical Application
You are not saved by works; you are saved by grace through faith. Still, we should live our faith so others will be drawn to the blessing of God in our lives. Sin never brings the blessing; so resist the devil and draw near to God every single day.
