Grace. Man, that word can really stir up people’s emotions! Some use the word in the context of it being a “license to sin”, calling it “cheap grace”, saying it is an offense to Christ’s sacrifice. What does the Bible say?

The Judaizers were teaching the converts in Galatia they needed to get circumcised to be TRUE disciples. This circumcision was literal but can also be seen as any “work” man does to earn righteousness. Paul says: “If you let yourselves be circumcised, then Christ’s sacrifice becomes of NO VALUE.” Instead of grace, Paul says it’s salvation by works that devalues Christ’s sacrifice.

“Every man who lets himself be circumcised is obligated to obey the whole law.” If you follow any part, you must PERFECTLY execute all or you will receive the punishment of law – death. Paul continues: “In Christ, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The ONLY thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Paul says to the Galatians, “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.” (ie: NOT God!)

People ask, “So you’re saying everyone can sin as much as they want?” Paul addresses that: “You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh.” Another question, “But if we don’t have any rules to ‘keep us in check’, how will we avoid sin?” Paul answers, “So I say, walk by the Spirit & you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” When we follow the Holy Spirit, we will walk in righteousness.

The surprise ending is that law & grace actually have the same endgame – righteousness. The difference is the how & why. Those under the law work hard to keep every rule. They are usually motivated by fear of being punished. Those under grace believe 2000 years ago, God became sin so that we might become the righteousness of God. Their actions are motivated by faith in a God so good to provide a way. This internal gratitude often WILL express itself in good works externally as we walk in the Spirit, BUT as an overflow of receiving His love, not an obligation to earn it. So what about you? Is grace hard to believe?