Romans IV
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? (Romans 6:1,2 ESV)
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One of the richest memories I have is an occasion when my wife forgave me for some pretty serious sin. I can still recall the feeling when she took my hand, again. I can still feel the peace, the unexpected joy, and the hope that filled my sad heart at that very moment.
It was great.
But I do not want to repeat it.
More specifically, I do not want to repeat the sin that CAUSED the wonderful forgiveness. I learned to trust my wife’s love on that day. She FORGAVE me. But that did not lead me to a relaxing of my diligence. Instead, knowing the depth of her love helps me stand strong.
Similarly, only MORE so… knowing that God is gracious does not… can not… lead me to act foolishly just because I know He will forgive.
If I start thinking like that, it shows I do not grasp how precious His forgiveness is.
God’s gracious forgiveness, in fact, urges me towards righteousness!
So I do not want to continue in sin.