GRACE ERASER


Why do people believe more in the power of man’s sin than they do in the power of God’s grace? How can a Christ-follower be surprised at God’s grace? I am convinced that there is nothing that God’s grace can’t erase. When I look at my own life, and consider all that God has done in me, I am even more convinced that there is nothing that God’s grace can’t erase.

If you have made any effort to live a clean life you quickly come to this conclusion —my sin is a problem. It's a nuisance. It will not go away. While it is true that people always sin by choice, it is also true that sin sinks its claws deep into your character, and becomes your master. On your own, you are helpless. Sin utterly destroys your life through its presence, through its power, and through the penalty you will ultimately pay. However, God’s Word proclaims that His grace eliminates sin. “And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.” (Romans 5:16)

Yes, sin has consequences—it ultimately leads to eternal separation from God. However, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the penalty has been paid. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Grace also has erased the power of your sin. Think about the misery that exists in our world, virtually all human suffering is the result of someone's sin. Death came into the world through Adam's sin. It is the addictive power of sin that keeps you from living a happy productive life. The Bible promises that sin will not have dominion over you — it has lost its power.

Grace has erased the presence of your sin. “As people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant” (Romans 5:20). God's grace drowns out the presence of your sin. When you experience God's grace, it overpowers the presence of the sin in your life, and eliminates it.

I heard a preacher say once, “Because of God's grace, I sin all I want!” Hesitating for a few moments for the words to sink in, then he said, “In fact, because of God's grace, I sin more than I want.” God's grace in your life drives you to live holy. There is nothing that His grace can't erase.

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