When Barnabas went to Antioch to help the new Christians, he saw “the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23). The grace of God is a subject that everyone enjoys studying; and rightly so, for it is by grace that we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8).
Sometimes though, gospel preachers, wanting to deeply emphasize the grace of God, fail to emphasize that grace comes with obligations. Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world …” (Titus 2:11-12).
Perhaps they are tired of going up against denominational preachers who can emphasize grace without much restriction (like salvation at the point of believing, or eternally, persevering salvation), but obedience has to be emphasized with grace. Never be ashamed of the grace of God and how it relates to obedience. God’s wonderful grace brings salvation, and it also encourages us in negative preaching, which accomplishes the purpose of turning people away from wickedness.
Kyle Campbell
