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.

Exodus 3:5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

God appeared to Moses but did not provide a basin with water and cloth to wash his feet. God the Father bows down to no man. Only Jesus did that in service for the Father to set the example of forgiveness of sin.

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

It seems rather strange that God should allow Moses in His presence and not offer him salvation. From what we know about God the Father no sin could come near to Him.

There is no conflict in scripture, only imperfect understanding. It is wrong to demand perfect understanding from imperfect people. We should remember the previous instruction: 

Romans 14:1

Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

We not only have the one Savior, He is also our only judge.

If anyone should confess a sin we do not have the right to refuse to wash their feet.

This morning I noted one more thing, the instruction to remove one’s shoes or sandals.

What have we bought, made, or been given to protect our walk?

Whether it is ritual, habit, or charms, they only get in the way of exposing sinful flesh.

Think of it this way, that Icthus sticker on the bumper of a car does not protect the car from a wreck. Nor does wearing a cross prevent a heart attack. None of that changes the character of our hearts.

There is a reason so many use the term, “There but for the grace of God go I.”

 Even those that deny God use the term.

“Good Lord!”

Yes indeed!