Responding to Sin Under Grace
Sin is the world’s biggest problem. Christ died and rose again to pay in full our immeasurable sin debt and deliver us from sin (Romans 4:24-25, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Titus 2:14). Even though the sin we commit after we are saved can’t alter our complete position in Christ, what we do in Christ’s body still matters and we will be judged by Christ for the sort of work we do in His body (Colossians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Under grace, we are saved and justified by faith alone without works in the finished work of Christ on our behalf, but how do we respond to sin in our lives after salvation if it’s already been paid for? (Ephesians 2:8-9, Colossians 2:13-14)
The Bible puts forth a simple three-part answer in chapters 4 and 5 of the book of Ephesians:
1) Stop Sinning
In Ephesians 4:20-24, we are told to be renewed in the spirit of our minds by realizing who we are in Christ. When we remember who we are, what Christ has done for us and that our life is not our own, our motivation to sin diminishes and we are better able to learn and care about what is right and wrong. Ephesians 4:25-32 also tells us to sin no more and put away the sins of our old man that used to define us before we were in Christ.
2) Avoid Sin
Once we understand what things are sinful, we can take the necessary measures to avoid sinning. In Ephesians 5:1-10, we are instructed to follow God. This includes not just recognizing what we shouldn’t be doing, but also what we should be doing. When we replace the works of the flesh, which lead to nothing profitable, with the works of righteousness which are produced with a renewed heart and mind from God’s Word, we avoid sin. When you walk in the Spirit, you won’t fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
Ephesians 5:7-10 exhorts us not to be partakers with the unfruitful works of darkness because they are a shame to us who have been made children of light through Christ. We should have the disposition to avoid sin because it hinders our growth, hinders our service to God and others, and it never satisfies. Like drinking saltwater in a dessert, sin’s momentary pleasure leads to a greater thirst and death. Serving Christ brings forth the fruits of righteousness which always satisfy our soul.
3) Reprove the Sin
Lastly, our response to sin should be reproof. Ephesians 5:11-14 informs us that we shouldn’t just walk in the light and avoid the unfruitful works of darkness, but that we need to manifest the light in the darkness as well. Reproof requires that we have the courage to shine the truth of God’s Word and the gospel of Christ on situations where there is sin. We point to the light of God’s truth, not our own opinion, because God’s Word alone is profitable for doctrine, correction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness and is capable to equip us to do God’s work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Light exposes the darkness and can burn the eyes. It can cause people to hide or recoil. Just like when someone turns on the light when we are sleeping, light makes us want to cover our eyes and hide from the light.
While our sin being exposed by the light may hurt initially, ultimately our response should be thankfulness that we see clearly. When we reject the light, we are rejecting God and His truth.
Light brings understanding, life, and causes people to see. We grow more together when we reprove unprofitable works amongst ourselves. Saying nothing isn’t loving. Oftentimes we are blind to our own sin until someone points it out. When we do that in love, it edifies the church and provides an opportunity for growth (Ephesians 4:12, Galatians 6:1, 2 Timothy 2:24-26).
Sin prevents us from doing God’s will to see lost souls saved and edify other saints in the body. We should seek the light of God’s Word to recognize the sin in our own lives that prevents us from serving God and to help others find deliverance in the power and life of God’s truth.
