Abounding in Grace

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:1-4
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Abounding in Grace
If grace is given for the forgiveness of sins, then sinning more would mean more grace; at least, that is the argument some might attempt to make. Paul forcefully rejects the notion that we should ignore God’s will and deliberately sin, knowing that He will forgive. That is an abuse of grace. In Baptism, God applies Christ’s death to us so that we receive the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice, so now belonging to God through Baptism, we reject the illogical attempt to have “grace abound.” Baptized into Christ Jesus, we are connected to His work, as He clothes us in His righteousness. Likewise, Baptized into His death, Christ has paid the penalty for our sins. Christ’s work on the cross is applied to us in Baptism. United to Christ’s death and burial means we are also united to His resurrection and life. Thanks be to God for His good and gracious mercy, shown to us through His Son.