"Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you.
Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish
talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be
thankfulness to God." Ephesians 5:3-4 NLT
There are in the body of Christ today people who claim to be teachers
of a new grace message teaching things that are not taught in the
scriptures. Their stock in trade is to look for every means to dilute
the stern warnings of the bible against sin, making it seem as if grace
condones sinful living. But this is the warning of scripture to those
who may give heed to the teachings of such false teachers. "Don’t be
fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will
fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these
people do." Ephesians 5:6-7 NLT
There can be no more clear statement of scripture depicting God's
severe posture against those who do not only practice sin, but motivate
other to engage in sinful living. According to this scripture, the anger
of God will fall on all who disobey Him. Now, does this a warning
directed at the unbelievers who cannot but disobey God? Absolutely not!
This is a letter addressed to a body of believers.
God's standard is never lowered because those transgressing His
commands are His children. In fact, the standard required of them is
higher, because to whom much is given, much is required. What most of us
do not realize is that grace does not lower the requirements for right
living, it raised the bar. So, let those who name the name of the Lord
depart from iniquity. Sadly, we are in a time when standards are
tumbling down, but even at that, it should not be so for those who call
on the name of the Lord.
Toni
