God's grace,  Life,  Questions,  Salvation,  Suicide,  Tough Questions

Does God’s grace allow me to do what I want and still go to heaven?

As a follow-up to yesterday’s blog on “what the bible says about suicide”,  I’ve been asked by a few people if God’s grace means I don’t need to worry about sin anymore. The question is that if we are saved by grace, does that mean I can now do whatever I want?  In other words, does my eternal security that’s founded in God’s grace give me the permission and allowance to sin?  Does God’s grace and assured forgiveness give me the green light to make whatever choices I want??? … whether it is to continue to live in sin, do wrong to others, or even do harm to myself?  If I’m a true believer, why do I worry about sin if I’m going to heaven?

What does the bible say?

Romans 6:1-2 — “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?  By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”

When we become a Christian and accept Christ, we’re born again and have died to sin.  It should be our desire to not sin.  In Romans 5:8 we read, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  In other words, Jesus Christ sacrificed His life – God gave His only son (John 3:16) to die for the punishment of our sin and to offer us eternal life.  Why do I worry about sin in my life?  Because I understand how much God loves me and how much He sacrificed for me.  When I become a born again believer, it’s based on my understanding of how much God loves me.  When I become a born again believer and accept His salvation, it’s a statement that I love God and want to follow Him.  Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). I worry about my sin because it goes against God’s love and purpose for my life.  My sin offends God and when I willfully sin, it grieves God because of His love for me and all He has done to free me of my sin. Ephesians 4:30 says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” When we become a Christian, we are telling God that His ways are best and we want to live for Him.  God wants us to love Him, follow Him, and to be faithful to Him.  The bible also says that our works will be made known. 1 Corinthians 3:13-14 says, “their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.”

Did I become a Christian only because I want to go to heaven?  Did I become a Christian so I can do whatever I want?  Did I become a Christian so that I might have heaven insurance?  No!  I became a Christian because I came to understand the Love of God and what He did through Jesus on the cross – and I’ve surrendered my life over to Him with a desire to live my life for Him.  I have also discovered that living for God is worth it even if there was no heaven or hell.  Jesus came to give us abundant life.  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).  We’re missing out greatly and are actually being robbed when we lose site of how God can help us everyday, give us an amazing life, and face whatever twists and turns that come our way.  He’s all about helping us in life.  He gives a reason to live and face tomorrow.  Again, God’s grace is amazing!