Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

There are churches that make grace their primary focus. Every sermon, every teaching, circles around grace. They focus on how to love one another by being gracious.

If we do not recognize that God’s good graciousness only comes through faith we will be in danger of giving sin permission to hide behind our good intentions.

Acts 20:27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

The Word of God is the whole truth and not just one truth. Every aspect of this life with Christ works in unison supporting every part of the body of Christ.

Grace without repentance is permission to sin. That is unacceptable.

• 1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
• 1 Corinthians 10:23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.

When Paul states all things are lawful he only means that our final salvation is secure and we are bound to receive eternal life with God. Consequences for sin still exist.

Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Notice closely that grace is not mentioned in those two verses even though grace is at work in their members.

It may be that in focusing strictly on grace that a sense of fear is lost in those conversations.