The Proclaimer

Shall We Continue In Sin?

“What shall we say then?  Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid” (Romans 6:1, 2).

This rhetorical question asked by Paul is emphatic comment given to preclude anyone getting the wrong impression from his previous statement: “And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly” (Rom. 5:20). 

Law does two things: it makes sin apparent and it shows us our need for a Savior.    Paul says, “I had not known sin, except through the law” (Rom. 7:7), that is, we must know God’s will before we can realize when we transgress it.  Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4), and the consequence of lawlessness is death (Rom. 6:23).  But is it the law that brings this death?  “Did then that which is good become death unto me?  God forbid.  But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, by working death to me through that which is good; --that through the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful” (Rom. 7:13).  Understanding, therefore, that we have sinned and that we are dead in our sin, we can now realize our need for a Savior.  This is one way the law instructs us and becomes a tutor to bring us to Christ (Gal. 3:24). 

As we come to realize our sin, we must also understand that regardless of the magnitude of that sin God’s grace is sufficient relief.  “Where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly” (Rom. 5:20).  Such is the magnitude of God’s love and sacrifice for man.  Are we then relieved of amenability to God’s law?  Paul says, “Certainly not!”  To continue in sin shows two things: a misconception of grace and a wrong attitude toward sin. 

Grace does not imply divine toleration of sin. It is, instead, the basis for recompense so that God can remain just and yet justify the sinner (Rom. 3:24-26).  Therefore, grace is found only in the abandonment of sin, for grace cannot be found in the acceptance of lawlessness.  The Hebrew writer says, “Though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation” (Heb. 5:8, 9).  The word rendered “author” means literally “cause.”  The “cause” of man’s salvation is seen in the suffering of Christ on Calvary as He tasted death for every man (Heb. 2:19). But notice this salvation (grace) is accessible to all who “obey Him.”  The present participle describes the constant obedience of the saved.  As Christ obeyed (Phil. 2:5-8), so must we.  In fact, we learn our obedience to Him from Him. 

Those who contend that obedience nullifies grace need to understand that God’s grace was never intended to nullify God’s law.  In fact, grace is only needed because law is violated.  Since all have sinned (Rom. 3:23), we all need a Savior.  Only as we trust the propitiation and efficacy of Christ’s blood can we have “access by faith into this grace wherein we stand” (Rom. 5:2).  But such faith does not negate God’s law, it establishes it (Rom. 3:31).  As the Son, Christ had to obey the Father, and all who expect salvation must learn obedience as He did; even as Jesus said to the Father, “Not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39).

                                                                                             -- Clark Dugger

The Proclaimer