Grace apart from change is cheap grace. Change apart from grace is legalism.
This week I preached a message from John 8:1-11 titled, “Transforming Grace”. After telling the Pharisees that the one without sin should cast the first stone, Jesus says these glorious words to the woman, “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.
“ Notice the two parts:
- Grace: neither do I condemn you
- Transformation (change): Go now and leave your life of sin.
In the gospel, we hear both phrases. Because of God’s grace we are forgiven, accepted by God, and adopted into his family (Eph. 1:5-6). Like the woman in this passage, we need not fear the scorn of the self-righteous. Grace has set us free.
Yet, this is not cheap grace, but transforming grace. Grace produces a changed life. As surely as we hear a message of no condemnation (Rom. 8:1), in Christ, we also hear the words: leave your life of sin.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Titus 2:11-12
For entire message: http://bit.ly/1tdjaAv