Grace...

Something I found written by Ron McGatlin:

Either we are changing more every day into the image of Christ or we are not...This determines the sincerity of our Christianity...However, many "American" Christians seem to lean on the "Grace of God" as a means of getting to Heaven when it is in fact not some secret password through the Pearly Gates.

One abominable lie causing dangerous deception today involves a misconception of the biblical word "grace" and the work of the cross. The implication of the lie is that we can enter into the fullness of kingdom of heaven living carrying our unclean, covetous, lying ways with us. The lie says we are righteous and acceptable in the sight of God to enter into the kingdom of God lifestyle because of the grace of God and the blood of Jesus shed on the cross; we are righteous and acceptable in His sight to enter into the good kingdom of God lifestyle without changing.

The biblical word "grace" was redefined to mean only “unmerited favor” and that was interpreted to mean that we did not need to quit sinning and in fact could not in this life on earth. Here is the Strongs Greek dictionary definition of "charis," which is the word translated "grace" in the New Testament.

G5485. charis, khar'-ece; from G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstr. or concr.; lit., fig. or spiritual; espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude.

Please look at that definition carefully. Does unmerited appear anywhere? The Bible translators translated charis into a number of English words none of which contained the concept of unmerited favor. Charis does have to do with a gift or work of God in man. Grace is the influence or impact of God upon the heart and its reflection in the life. The word "influence" sounds benign, but not when you consider that the influence of God could change all creation in an instant. The influence of God is potentially very powerful. Grace is God in us changing our hearts and our lives. Grace is the empowerment of God to live godly and do the supernatural works of God. Grace empowers us to stop doing sin and live holy lives. Grace is the work of God in us and through us. Grace is not a whitewash covering for our continued sinful living. Grace does not forgive our sin; it stops our sinning. Grace is the love of God changing us from living as sons of Adam to living as sons of God through Christ the last Adam.

It is God’s mercy that forgives sin. Mercy forgives our past sin, and grace prevents our future sin as it empowers us to live holy. We are not destroyed because of the mercy of God. We have abundant life by grace.

Mercy relates to the cross of Christ and the absolution of the curse of sin and iniquity. Grace relates to the resurrection of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit influencing our hearts and lives with the resurrection life of Christ.