Falling from Grace

Listen to Full Audio Message by Pastor Nix

Speaking on grace has seemed one sided…when you speak of unconditioned forgiveness and limitless love and boundless acceptance…

• The scent of sandal anises when you tell sinners that; “No matter what, God loves you and can forgive you.” or that “No amount of effort and works impresses God any more then none.” Or “No sin is unforgivable – God’s grace is always greater.”
• It’s just screaming to be abused and misused. Loopholes
  • Grace was given – “a gift to empty hands” (CS Lewis)…to be received –
    but here are three alternatives.

Persist works / legalism – (Gal. 5:4) “fall” –to run aground / to avoid

• We can know about grace – but continue without it – living acc. to our efforts
• We avoid grace by allowing legalism to reign (v3) – we become indebted (leads to guilt)
• We jump ship (grace) and try to swim across (self-righteousness)

Resist Fear / Inactivity – (Gal. 2:21) “frustrate” – to reject / to nullify

• The graving number of Calvinists (tulip): “Irresistible grace” – Not true!
• We can make the death/ blood of Christ empty / void! (Acts 7:51) They did!
• How? Verse 20 – Not living by faith, by the spirit…by sight and by flesh.
• We get so concerned about making a misstep – we don’t step out – we choose not to obey and be used because of fear…that’s what God’s grace is for – to make up the difference / to close the gap!

Twist Sin / Unrepentant – (Jude 4) “turn” – to prevent / to stretch / to change

• We can presume / assume upon grace…[Catholic convict, knew the priest would forgive him for murder, so he went ahead with the plan, presuming forgiveness]
• Some have even used grace as an excuse to do evil
• This is not a license to sin (Romans 6:1-2) [Christian men – divorce…]
  Will God forgive me? /Will you want to be forgiven?
• [Climbing wall, spotter with rope – kicking off from the wall is abusing the spotter’s purpose – He’s not there for fun, but for safety]
• “If you love God; you may do as you incline.” – Augustine