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The UNUSED License of the Redeemed

by David A. DePra

And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as
some affirm that we say), "Let us do evil, that good may
come?" Whose damnation is just. (Rom. 3:8)
 
     Doing evil "that good might come" is, of course, nothing more
than a excuse for sin. It is, in fact, license. But let's ask: Why
would anyone accuse Paul of teaching that sin is OK -- because
sin amplifies the righteousness of God?
     Let's probe into this: If Paul were teaching strict adherance to
the law of God, how could anyone interpret that as license? They
couldn't. If Paul were telling us that the OT law is binding, and that
we must keep it if we are to be a Christian, then his words could
never be construed to mean that sin is acceptable. But if he
taught that we were freed from keeping the law, well then that's
another story. If He taught that we are both saved and accepted
by God totally by His grace -- regardless of works -- THEN he
might be accused of teaching license by those who did not
understand him.
     Do you see this? Only a gospel of grace -- one which
teaches that God forgives us and save us regardless of works --
can be misinterpreted as license. Only if Paul taught a gospel
which accented faith rather than works could his words be twisted.
The accusation against Paul shows us as much about what he
taught as does his teaching itself. No one teaching law-keeping
is ever accused of license. But teach the gospel of grace and you
will be accused of license.
     Paul was not the only one who was ever accused of teaching
license. Jesus was likewise accused of this error. The Pharisees
said that He taught that they did not have to keep the law of
Moses. But if you read the Sermon on the Mount, you find that
Jesus made the law MORE binding, not less. He took what the
Jews were keeping outwardly and made it binding on the inward.
     Of course, Jesus did this to fulfill the law's main purpose: To
expose us all as helpless sinners. No one can keep the law. God
gave it to show us we need to be saved by His grace alone.
     Ok. But does the fact that we stand before God by grace alone
mean we can freely sin? This IS the issue. The answer is simple:
Anyone who truly receives the grace of God -- I mean, REALLY
receives it -- is not going to WANT to freely sin. The "wanting to
sin" which was in them through Adam has already been dealt with.
Thus, any so-called "license" which grace provides will never be
used by one who is saved by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

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