Is it ok to sin if we are saved by grace?
Sin is a transgression of the Divine law or God’s law.
Thousands of years ago God gave Moses and the Jewish nation the Ten Commandments as well as 613 other laws stated in Leviticus. Since the Jews were God’s special people from whom the Messiah was to come, they needed to be kept pure and separate from the nations around them. Therefore, the Law acted as a schoolmaster in order to bring them to Christ.
‘‘So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.” (Galatians 3:24-25)
Once Jesus came and fulfilled the Law by his sacrifice unto death, the Law was no longer binding to the Jew providing he accepted Jesus. The Apostle Paul further explains this thought by commenting, ‘‘that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.’’ (Galatians 2:15)
Even though Christians, be they Jew or Gentile, are not required to follow the 613 laws or to celebrate the Jewish Sabbath or holy days, they are, however, required to follow the Ten Commandments. In fact, as Jesus taught us in the Sermon on the Mount, these commandments should be taken to a higher level than had ever been taught and should now be “written on our hearts.”
In the Sermon, Jesus gave his followers the high principles that they and we, as Christians today, are to live by.
Jesus said, “You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy, ‘but I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.’” (Matthew 5:43-45)
In these verses, Jesus is showing his followers the importance of the law of love, a law that is far greater than the Old Law Covenant that he completed upon his death on the cross. Christians are required to “write” the Ten Commandments upon their hearts, thereby, taking these commandments to a much higher level.
If we are “saved by grace” and the Law of Moses is no longer applicable, then is it okay to sin?
Absolutely not. The Apostle Paul gives us an obvious list of the acts that make up the sinful nature in Galatians 5:19-21 [sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, and orgies] and warns us “that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Verse 21) He then tells us to live a life guided by the holy spirit and lists the fruits of such a life.
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:22-24)
The Apostle Peter gives us a similar list in 2 Peter 1:5-7. He then adds, “For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11)
Sin is repugnant to God. It is never okay to sin. Continuous deliberate sinning without asking forgiveness and repenting has a demeaning, ungodly influence on your life and will not allow you to be part of God’s heavenly kingdom. Rather than think sin is okay, you must accept the fact that you are a sinner and evaluate your heart attitude, conscience and conduct as you try to emulate the sinless life of our Master, Jesus Christ. Then, seeing where you have fallen short, ask forgiveness before the throne of heavenly grace.
“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:12-13)
It is important that we continually check our thoughts and actions and ask ourselves if Jesus’ thoughts and actions would be in accord with ours. Each time we discover we have fallen short of the perfect example set before us, we need to ask forgiveness through prayer. Prayer is the Christian’s lifeline. You will find refuge and joy in prayer knowing that God hears the prayers of the righteous and is able and willing to forgive your sins if you acknowledge them and are truly repentant.
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
To learn more about sin listen to, “Are We Sure Sin is Really Sinful?”
