What is true Grace?

Grace is far too often misrepresented, so let's do a little comparison:

• Grace is the gift of life from Jesus Christ
• Grace is freedom from sin
• Grace is freedom from guilt and condemnation
• Grace is freedom in Christ
• Grace is becoming the Child of the Living God
• Grace is walking in the presence of God
• Grace is being led and empowered by the Holy Spirit

This illustration shows the errors that sometimes pretend to be Grace:

Grace is walking with God, as He leads. That is the center arrow. The left arrow is License (or Licentiousness) is the belief that:

• Sin is "good", or
• God ignores our sin
• Sin is freedom
• Behavior does not matter
• God just wants you to do what makes you happy.

This is delusional, and demonstrates that such a person does not understand that they have been freed from sin, not so they can sin. They have been freed from the devastaion and bondage that sin brings

The right arrow is legalism. Legalism believes:

• Your performance is what brings you closer to God
• Your behavior is what really matters
• God is judgemental
• God is harsh
• God is not interested in your happiness, only your obedience

Both errors are focused on themselves, rather than enjoying a real loving relationship with a personal God who as already dealt with their sin. Strangely, there is another commonality. In some ways, many legalistics people secretly think sin is good. They just avoid it, because they don't want to get in trouble. They see God as a punisher, rather than a loving Father. Both errors keep us from the abundant life Jesus calls us to. Both errors are lies and full of deceit.

You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Walk in Grace, and walk with God. It is where true freedom and joy is to be found - in His presence.