False Grace.

     And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), "Let us do evil that good may come?" Their condemnation is just.
                                    Romans 3:8 NASB

     We read in the epistle of Jude that we are to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all handed down to the saints. Just as in the days of the apostle Paul and the early Church, there are many today who also declare that the grace of God gives license to sin (Romans 6:1, 15; Jude 1:3-4). Throughout history, the Church has been plagued with the teaching that grace allows one to remain in sin, and yet have unbroken fellowship with Christ. Some grant that fellowship can be broken, but salvation is never questioned, even if one's life is filled with immorality and sin. This however, is a grave mistake, a deadly error, with dreadful consequences.
     Notice in Jude 1:3 that the faith was handed down once for all. This means that what was taught in the beginning by Christ and the apostles is still valid and in force today as well. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, which means that the truths of Christian faith and practice remain the same throughout time (Hebrews 13:7-9).
     Jude tells us that persons have crept in unnoticed, bringing their heresy with them into the church. Paul warns that false teachers will arise from within the Church (Acts 20:29-31). This is what makes it so deadly. We are fooled by individuals who we may have known all of our lives; individuals who we have listened to and trusted in the past, who now introduce destructive heresies, teaching that it is okay to retain sin in one's life. We see much of this. There are many individuals who have been deceived into believing that they are covered by grace; that they are Christians, but their lives have never been transformed through the new birth, as made evident by their persistent sinful lifestyles.
     John tells us that if we claim to have fellowship with Christ, but walk in the darkness, we lie, and are not practicing the truth (1 John 1:6). We are also warned that the one who practices sin is of the devil, as Jesus has come to destroy the devil's works. Therefore one who is born of God no longer sins, but practices righteousness (1 John 3:7-10). This is what the word of God has to say about the change that grace brings to the life of a true child of God. True grace brings about a change of heart and life in those who have put their trust in Christ (Titus 2:11-13).
     Jude uses three examples to show us that God's grace is not meant as a mere cover up for sin. Sin does have consequences if it is not forsaken.
     1. Ancient Israel's unbelief.
     God, through signs, wonders, and great power, delivered the nation of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. Yet they rebelled at His word, refusing to enter into the land of promise. That generation died in the wilderness because of their unbelief/disobedience (Hebrews 3:16-19). God chose these people, delivered them out of bondage, but yet destroyed those who refused to obey Him because of their unbelief (Jude 1:5).

     2. The fallen angels.
     The angels in heaven are pure, having been created by God that way. Yet we see that those who rebelled against Him are kept in bonds for the day of judgment. It is even possible for the angels to sin, and they are not exempt from the penalty of it (Jude 1:6).

     3. Sodom and Gomorrah.
     The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is put forth as an example to us that God will judge sin. They are an example to us of punishment by eternal fire. It is ironic that the very sins that brought destruction upon these cities are the sins that so many false teachers today accept and promote within the Church today. Sexual immorality, including homosexuality, was an abomination to God then, and still is now. Grace does not, and cannot cover sin that is not put away (Jude 1:7).

     Do not be deceived by false teaching (Ephesians 5:5-6). God's wrath will come upon those who disobey Him. Whether you believe in eternal security or not, the fact remains that if one is living a life of sin, that individuals shows that he or she has no eternal life in them. Once again, the one who is born of God does not sin. The child of God lives righteously because they have been born again. Their lives have been transformed by the grace and power of God.
     This is not to say that a Christian is incapable of sin. It is indeed possible for a Child of God to sin. This world is filled with trials and temptations, and Christians are not exempt from them. John writes so that we will not sin, but if we do we have an advocate in Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). However John does not mean that we can presume upon grace. Once again grace does not give license to sin. Sin in a believer is the exception, not the rule. The heart's intent of the Christian is to please God. The true child of God lives to honor Christ. Out of love for God, they avoid sin. Should they fall in a moment of weakness, they confess it and forsake it, and go on with God. This is different from one who desires to live in sin, but yet trusts that God will forgive them even though they have no real desire to live a life that pleases Him.
     God is a gracious God, and in His great mercy He has offered us grace, in Christ, to be reconciled to Him, empowering us to live in accordance with His will. Do not trifle with God's grace. If it has not changed your life, it is not grace.