Good morning. It’s Friday, March 6th, aka National Dress in Blue Day.

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Romans 6:1

Before we talk about cheap grace, we first have to understand what grace itself actually is.

The Bible describes grace as something we did not earn and could never earn.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV) says,

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Grace means salvation is a gift from God.

The clearest picture of this grace is Jesus on the cross.

Romans 5:8 (NIV) says,

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

In other words, grace means that even when we were still sinners, God made a way to forgive us through Jesus.

So this brings us to the real question:

What is cheap grace?

Cheap grace is the idea that because God forgives sin, sin doesn’t really matter anymore.

Titus 2:11–12 (NIV) says,

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

In other words, cheap grace is almost the opposite of what grace is supposed to produce.

And the Bible directly confronts the idea of cheap grace.

Romans 6:1–2 (NIV) says,

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”

Some people believed that if grace covers sin, then more sin simply means more grace.

Paul’s answer is immediate and clear.

Absolutely not.

But just to be clear, simply sinning and then accepting God’s grace does not automatically mean someone is practicing cheap grace.

The Bible is honest about the fact that believers will still struggle with sin.

So, grace may be free, but it was never meant to be cheap.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Lord, thank You for Your grace through Jesus.

Confession: Forgive me for the times I’ve taken that grace lightly.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for forgiving me when I fall.

Supplication: Help me live in a way that honors Your grace. Amen.

In Jesus name, Amen

“Have Your Way” by Katy Nicole

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Thanks for letting us be a part of how you start your day with God.

See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God