Grace in Vain

“We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” 2 Cor. 6:1. He who continues to do the works of the flesh has received God’s grace in vain (see Galatians 5:19-21). “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age . . . .” Tit. 2:11-12. If we do not come to a victorious life over sin, we have received God’s grace in vain. “For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.” Heb. 6:7-8. It is the same with us. When we receive God’s grace and yet continue to lose our temper, be dissatisfied, complain, lie, etc., then grace is in vain.

“But by the race of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Cor. 15:10. This shows us that grace leads to works—to action. To regard grace as a substitute for the work that I ought to do is to pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness.