Grace and Consequences
Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Romans 5:20
We often hear grace defined as “God’s granting us what we do not deserve.” God’s grace is evidenced in His forgiveness of sin, His provision of many things we need, and just want. Grace is also seen in the relationships we have on earth. It is a gracious thing when God offers us people who will bear our burdens and share our joys.
Our God, the One True God, is a God of grace.
2 Samuel 12:1 starts the account of Nathan’s confrontation with David over his sin with Bathsheba and his killing her husband, Uriah, like this: “And the LORD sent Nathan to David.” Nathan then confronted David very tactfully (after all, he was the King) but deliberately about his sin by using a story. David convicted himself by seeing the sin of the man in Nathan’s tale.
What we cannot miss about God’s grace is that He is the One who sent Nathan to David. God cared so much about His relationship with David that He could not allow David to ignore his own sin. He was restoring their relationship.
Isaiah 59:2 warns us that our sin will separate us from God, “but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” David, though he saw the sin once Nathan pointed them out, had not acknowledged or repented of those sins. He was acting like nothing was wrong when there was a lot wrong between himself and God.
Are we doing the same thing?
David repents. 2 Samuel 12:13, David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” David makes no excuses and doesn’t try to blame anyone else. “I” have sinned against the Lord! And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”
Will we repent?
The Lord tells David that there will be consequences. His life has been spared but the “sword will not depart from his house.” His family will suffer because of his sin.
Even with such consequences David has been extended great grace by God. His baby by Bathsheba, the one conceived in sin, dies as an infant as part of this judgment, but God gives them another son, Solomon. Nathan calls this baby Jedidiah, “beloved of the Lord”.
The conviction of sin is a blessing. When we respond in repentance God adds grace to grace, blessing us.
We can read this account of David’s sins against Bathsheba and Uriah and think we are pretty safe. Most of us have not committed adultery or murder. We have not sinned against God – like that! The Bible is clear that none of us is free from sin. In fact the Bible talks about pride and gossip as seriously as it does about murder. Which one of us is not guilty of pride or gossip? The fact is that there is no lack of sin among God’s people.
Praise the Lord there is no lack of His grace either! Even when God disciplines us and sends consequences for sin there is a gracious purpose, drawing us back to Him, in those consequences. His grace when we repent is truly, as the hymn says, “grace greater than all our sin.”
My heart has been heavy for this lately. It seems we in the church have been so enamored with grace that we have failed to teach about sin and its consequences. I love your words, “The conviction of sin is a blessing. When we respond in repentance God adds grace to grace, blessing us.” Yes. We should teach about the entire message of Christ. He is love, He is grace, but He is also holy and just. There are consequences to sin that separate us from Him. He came to be our Savior, not just a good friend. Blessings to you, Beth!
I am thankful for His grace. Consequences can help us learn valuable lessons.
Me, too, Melissa! Thanks for commenting.
Thanks Lisa, He is holy and just and the more we teach these truths, the greater will be the growth of His Kingdom!
Grace greater than all our sin… Just the message I needed to hear today. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, Candice! God’s grace is the one message I could hear every day and never tire of it!
This reminds me of Exodus 1 when the Lord blessed the midwives–but the Egyptians made life harder for the Jews.
Blessing still happens during hard times. Still trying to wrap my head around it. Great post!
Yes, Nancy, I think it is necessary to always be looking for the blessings. It makes the hardships much more bearable and reminds us of the presence of the Lord!
The story about Nathan confronting David about his sin is one of my favorite Bible stories – well, all of David’s story is one of my faves. But what a great picture of God’s mercy and grace, and His desire for reconciliation and restoration. Thank you for sharing this and for the challenge to see God’s compassion as He patiently awaits our confession.
Stephen, Glad it hit a chord with you! Our God is incredibly compassionate in His patience!
Consequences—whether it’s an authentic friend holding us accountable or a penalty—are an important part of our growth and understanding. I am thankful for them! And I am so grateful for God’s grace when I repent.
When I really stop and ponder God’s Grace, I am so awed by it. And then so ashamed for the things I have done in my life. It reminds me to repent daily and return to His loving embrace
Yvonne, Thank God He gives us time to stop and ponder His grace!
Me, too, Jessica, His grace is great and sufficient!
Good insight, Beth. Love all your truths here about both grace and sin. We really can’t separate them, because if there wasn’t sin, there would be no need for grace. While David really did mess up big time, his confession of sin against God is a lesson for us all! Take ownership of our sin and then the grace comes. And love this powerful thought, “The conviction of sin is a blessing. When we respond in repentance God adds grace to grace, blessing us.” Yes!
Thank you, Karen!
Your post are always inspiring Beth!
Thanks Ava, May Christ be praised!