Many today, are confused and led astray by believing the FALSE TEACHING that: Since we are no longer under the age of the Law [covenant of the Law having passed away] men are somehow free to live and act anyway they wish to act, because they are saved by Grace alone, without keeping the Law.

Is it a Bible doctrine, to believe that Grace does make sin possible, now that a person saved by Grace?   Does Grace give us an occasion to sin and not be judged, just because we are saved by Grace and not by the Law?

This error is not left unaddressed in the Scripture, but just the contrary; the whole chapter of Romans 6 speaks to this question and amply shows the true meaning of Salvation by Grace.

It is true that God did make salvation possible to men who [cannot keep fully the law perfectly] by the man, Jesus Christ, who kept the law perfectly for all men.  Grace is provided freely in Jesus Christ, because He has put all man’s sins upon his own body, and then was put to death, because of those sins.

Three days after Jesus Christ died, with man’s sins upon him, He arose from the dead [grave] proving to the entire world that [sin has now been destroyed or put to death and remains in the grave]. The resurrection of Jesus from death [the strength of sin, namely Death] is then the most significant of all events, not because Jesus himself arose from the dead, but because He arose and left sin in the grave, thus overcoming sin and death, setting us free from the power of sin.  In Christ, men [who do believe and receive his saving work] are no longer condemned by the Law.

Under the New Covenant, the Old Testament system of the Law has been satisfied in Jesus Christ.  We know that a whole new Covenant has replaced the old Law covenant.   Men can be saved by simple Faith in Jesus [other than keeping a set of rules and Laws].  This way of course, is Grace through Faith.  The Law [which was too strict and impossible for sinful men, on their own abilities because of the weakness of their flesh] no longer condemns any person who believes and trust in Christ, (Romans 8:1).  Now, men are fully saved by simple Faith in the [finished work of Jesus Christ on his cross].

Since we then are under a New Covenant, does this New Covenant of Grace through Faith give us license now to continue to sin since men are fully saved by Grace alone?

Many are reasoning that it gives freedom now, because the Law has passed away.  Has the Law passed away?  NO.  The Law is still the Law, and the commandments are still the Lord’s commandments.  In no way has this Law of God passed away.  The Scriptures do tell us that the Law [will never pass away forever], but what has passed away, is the Old Covenant system prescribed in the writings of Moses.  The Law itself remains intact.

It is important to point out that the Law of commandments was never given to save men in the first place, but was given to convict men of sin and to bring them to repentance.  But under the Covenant of Moses, men were given a SYSTEM OF SACRIFICIAL OFFERINGS, to cover their sins so they could live forgiven.  It is this old Covenant of obedience to the prescribed methods listed by Moses, that has passed away.  The Law is and has always been the clear instruction of the Holiness of God.  It cannot pass away unless God himself did pass, and that is an impossibility.  The Scriptures teach that God is eternal and never changing in his attributes and glory.

Under the New Covenant, God has outlined another way to find forgiveness and acceptance over sin.  That way, of course, is by the Blood of Jesus Christ who was shed to wash away sin.  His eternal proof of salvation is in his resurrection over sins power.  This is the New Covenant.

It is basic and fundamental that men understand Grace?  Grace is unmerited favor (as we have all heard and learned through study before) therefore men are not saved because of anything men DO or DID, but salvation becomes a Free Gift from God to all who Believe.

Grace has a QUALITY about it that transforms any person into a NEW MAN.  This change is in man’s nature following the salvation experience.  At salvation, the Holy Spirit of the Living God himself, comes into each Believers spirit to live on the inside.  This wonderful truth is transforming because: He CHANGES US to live from Dead Works to SPIRITUAL WORKS. He has [empowered] men with his Spirit and this change can be seen by all who know the man. before and then after salvation.  There will be FRUIT OF CHANGE in all men who are truly saved.

The bible describes this transforming power of Grace is found in death.  The identifying with Christs’ Death.  [All saved by Grace are DEAD IN CHRIST].

“For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died;  And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake,”   1 Corinthians 5:14-15.

Even as Christ died and was buried, the Bible tells us that we are dead and buried with him.  Thus the picture of Water Baptism which illustrates death, burial and resurrection.   Even as Christ arose from the grave, so does baptism shadow the resurrection.  Even as Christ arose in POWER OF LIFE, so does the One who trust him and is saved by Grace [he will be given POWER TO LIFE… and new Life, literally JESUS’ LIFE].

Considering the above verse that states the Love of Christ CONTROLS, URGES, and IMPELS us because HE HAD DIED FOR ALL AND WE ALL ARE DEAD IN HIM.  This Death is to Self and human control.  A person IN CHRIST and saved by Grace, has entered into a NEW LIFE and will never [nor can he ever be] the same.  The fact is that Believers saved in this wonderful gift of Grace do not want to live for themselves but will, by the power of the indwelling Spirit, be  empowered to  live for Jesus Christ.  It will become an automatic desire to live and move in Him.   I have said it like this many times: When Jesus Christ comes in He will CHANGE OUR WANT TO.  Believers will NOT WANT THE THINGS OF THE WORLD but will WANT WHAT HE WANTS, [because of the Holy One living inside]. 

In another wonderful and very descriptive passage of Scripture, talking about Grace Salvation, it describes the event as CREATING THE PERSON OVER AGAIN into a new person with a new identity.

Read carefully the following description of the Grace Salvation:

“¹ And you [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins
² In which at one time you walked [habitually].  You were following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the air.  [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God].
³ Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature], obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind [our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings].  We were then by nature children of [God’s] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.
⁴ But God — so rich is He in His mercy!  Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us,
⁵ Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation).
⁶ And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
⁷ He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
⁸ For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith.  And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God
⁹ Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast.  [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.]
¹⁰ For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live],”   Ephesians 2:1-10 (AMP).

Let me SUMMARIZE the meaning of this wonderful Scripture passage with the following facts gleaned from them:

1. The First verse above says he MADE US ALIVE and reminded us that we had been DEAD IN SIN.
2. Verse 2 states: that in the past, (before salvation), all walked [habitually].  That means that all were following the course and fashion of this world.  It was your HABIT to do so.  All people (before being saved by Grace) were obedient and controlled by demon spirits that constantly work in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God].
3. Verse 3 states: All lost men did before was live in the “PASSIONS OF THE FLESH”, and were governed by the Flesh.  The thoughts of the Lost are described as DARK IMAGININGS.  The fact is clearly stated that the Lost are BY NATURE the children of God’s wrath and Indignation.
4. It is clear what it means to be saved by Grace, is to BECOME DIFFERENT THAN THE WORLD and that the saved would also be CHANGED FROM THEIR FORMER NATURE.
5. Verse 5 states:  All who were once dead in sin will upon salvation by Grace be MADE ALIVE to live together in fellowship with Christ.  He states that this salvation GIVES THOSE BELIEVERS “NEW LIFE” and he QUICKENS them all by his Favor and Mercy.  Because Believers have been saved, all are delivered from Judgment.
6. Verse 6 states: All Believers born of Grace are seated with him in heavenly places because all that are saved are IN HIM.
7. Verses 7-9  He continues to talk about the benefits of this Salvation and its limitless blessings, and his continual goodness to each one saved.  He points out plainly that this salvation is not by the works of men, but by His Grace through the Faith of the recipients.  It is all Free without striving with the Law and doing satisfactory works to appease God.  This is a marvelous verse that makes ones heart glad and fills us with assurance and Joy.
8. Verse 10 says: WE ARE HIS CREATION.  The word creation can be seen as [making something from nothing].  Each believer was NOTHING BUT SIN, but now they are CREATED.  Created for what?  GOOD WORKS. The fact is that the RESULTS OF GRACE IS GOOD WORKS, the kind of works that God wants.  So from this verse we discover that GRACE SALVATION PRODUCES GOOD WORKS.

MODERN DAY FALSE TEACHING ABOUT GRACE:

There are many who have been misled to believe that GRACE SALVATION takes away the standards of God, (the Law), and says that men can be saved and live anyway they wish while because of grace.  They reason that if it is FREE GRACE then men are Free to live as they please, and since the Law [to them] has been abolished, they are assured and content to continue living in sin.  Continuing, they go on to say the Law has been taken away, therefore the standards are changed.  Many today are using this misconception about Grace Salvation and the New Covenant to teach it is entirely acceptable to receive all men, regardless of their lifestyle.  They even have gone so far as to give this reasoning as proof to say even homosexuals [who were not accepted under the Old Covenant of Law] are now suddenly acceptable.

In order for this kind of doctrine to be believed as correct, one must say, God Changed.  Has God changed and no longer thinks sin is bad, because of Grace?  Can men can live acceptable to God and be sinners still being saved?   NO, can be the only answer because GOD CAN NOT CHANGE.

This False Teaching is CAUSING MANY IN MODERN CHURCHES to live despicable lives of misconduct and while doing it.  They use the very Scriptures [twisted and taken out of context] to support their false doctrine of Grace.  The idea that somehow now we are not under the Law of God, we do not need to clean up our lives and live a holy life.

Today in modern churches across America and around the world, the World has been brought into the church because sin is no longer sin.  Many live thinking: It is OK, after all we are saved by Grace.  God understands and has made us acceptable.  Somehow they entertain the thought that God himself is accepting men and has lightened the standards, so many can be saved by this “Grace Principal”.

In reality, Grace Salvation goes farther than just making men acceptable to God, TRUE GRACE is a SPIRITUAL WORK that God has done in all Believers.

Grace DID NOT LIGHTEN UP ON SIN but just the opposite, IT MADE HOLINESS THE GOD STANDARD.  Grace has transformed a once wicked and sinful life, into a HOLY PEOPLE, to be LIKE GOD IN HOLINESS. Not only has he done this wonderful NEW WORK IN BELIEVERS, but He has RAISED UP ALL believers, TO ENJOY FELLOWSHIP WITH THE HOLY GOD HIMSELF. 

God is HOLY, and in order to share his life we of necessity had to be made Holy.  God does not expect from men who are given this New Spirit Life in Christ Jesus, to walk out their flesh into Holiness.  The Flesh will NOT OVERCOME this SPIRIT WORK done by God Himself for all that are His.

Upon further contemplation about this wonderful Grace Salvation, we discover that it is a NEW LIFE IN THE SPIRIT, is completely a new working of God to his New Testament Saints.  This New Covenant Grace is an eternal work which has brought all believers into God’s Family; Sons and Daughters of the Most High God.

Additional scriptures:

“Now, what shall we do?  Shall we go on sinning because we have no Law to condemn us anymore, but are living under grace?  Never!  Just think what it would mean.  You belong to the power which you choose to obey, whether you choose sin, whose reward is death, or God, obedience to whom means the reward of righteousness.  Thank God that you, who were at one time the servants of sin, honestly responded to the impact of Christ’s teaching when you came under its influence.  Then, released from the service of sin, you entered the service of righteousness.  (I use an everyday illustration because human nature grasps truth more readily that way.)  In the past you voluntarily gave your bodies to the service of vice and wickedness — for the purpose of becoming wicked.  So, now, give yourselves to the service of righteousness — for the purpose of becoming really good.  For when you were employed by sin you owed no duty to righteousness.  Yet what sort of harvest did you reap from those things that today you blush to remember?  In the long run those things mean one thing only — death,”  Romans 6:15-21 (Phillips Translation).

“Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value].  [No] even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now [we have such knowledge of Him that] we know Him no longer [in terms of the flesh].
Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!”   1 Corinthians 5:16-17.

 

~ Desert Prophet Ken Dewey

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Evangelist/Prophet/Pastor Ken Dewey is the founder of “OUT OF THE DESERT MINISTRIES” in Belen, New Mexico, USA. He writes on this Web Site, many Prophetic words, Sermons and teachings while leading people into true church settings and preaching in an End Time Gospel Ministry. NOTICE: One of the ways you can get involved in this OUT OF THE DESERT ARMY is to become a PARTNER or to GIVE A DONATION. We are believing God for many more Monthly Partners to stand with us in Monthly Giving and Offerings. If you have a desire to help and give, please know we need your help. God is sending people as I write to this place. We need your help and prayerful giving to enable us to do more for more people. Please send you pledge to becoming a Monthly Partner or to sow an offering into this Ground. To make a donation to OUT OF THE DESERT MINISTRIES please send to: PO BOX 223, BELEN, NEW MEXICO. PLEASE PRAY ABOUT SENDING A LOVE OFFERING TO SOMEONE WHO IS IN THE MIDST OF THE BATTLE FOR SOULS.. AND TO OPEN BLINDED EYES OF THOSE WHO ARE SLEEPING IN THE BODY OF CHRIST. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO DO ALL THAT GOD IS SAYING FOR US TO DO. THANK YOU ALL …