No, we cannot continue sinning because God's grace is abundant.
The abundance of God's grace is not permission to sin. Romans chapter six raises the question of whether we should continue in sin because grace abounds, and the answer is emphatically 'God forbid' (banish the thought). Grace is meant to reign over our sinful nature, not excuse its control. Continuing in sin is letting old Adam rule, which is not what grace is for.
Romans 6:1-2 — Paul directly asks this question and answers it with 'God forbid.'
Romans chapter six addresses the question directly: 'What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?' (Romans 6:1-2). Later, the apostle Paul reiterates: 'What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.' (Romans 6:15). The Bible emphatically rejects the notion that grace gives license to sin. Furthermore, Romans 6:14 says, 'For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.'
Les emphasizes that grace is not a license to sin. He often quotes Romans 6:1 and 15, highlighting the 'God forbid' response. He teaches that while the old Adam nature is still present and will tempt believers, grace is not permission to let that nature reign. Instead, grace should overwhelm the old Adam and reign as king, leading to righteousness. Les notes that God doesn't force anyone, and we have a choice: let old Adam rule or let grace rule. He also stresses that God's mind on sin hasn't changed, even though we are under grace, not the Law. Grace is greater than sin, but it is meant to reign over the sinful nature, not excuse it.
In Romans 6, Paul presents two alternatives: allowing old Adam (the sinful nature) to rule supreme, or allowing God's grace to come in and overwhelm old Adam, with grace ruling supreme. Les explains this using the analogy of a king reigning. He emphasizes that this is a matter of choice, as God does not force anyone.
No. Les makes it clear that being under grace does not mean we can do as we please or sin as we please. Romans 6:15 asks, 'Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace?' and the answer is 'God forbid.' Les explains that God's mind on sin hasn't changed; what was abominable in the Old Testament is still abominable today. Grace is not a license.
This verse (Romans 5:20) means that no matter how great a person's sin, God's grace is greater. Les teaches that God can reach the vilest sinner and make them a trophy of His grace. However, this does not mean grace permits sin; rather, it shows the power of grace to save and transform. The same Paul who wrote this also wrote 'God forbid' to the suggestion of continuing in sin.
Two Alternatives: Old Adam vs. Grace
Les explains Romans 6:12 and 14, showing that we have a choice between letting old Adam rule or letting grace overwhelm him. He emphasizes that God doesn't force anyone, so the choice is ours.
Grace Is Not a License
Les directly addresses Romans 6:15, saying we cannot sin as we please just because we are under grace. God's mind on sin hasn't changed.
Grace Is Not Licensed
Les states that grace is not a license to sin. Even though no one can live perfectly without sin, believers are to keep old Adam in subjection and feed the new nature.
What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality — Romans 1
And that's why Paul makes it so plain in Romans 5 and Romans 6, that where sin abounded, I don't care how vile the sinner, God's grace can be greater. There isn't a soul living on this planet so steeped in sin and wickedness, that God won't save in a minute, and put His feet on a rock, clean up His life, and make Him a trophy of His grace. That's what He wants. That's what He wants.
Grace Abounds More Than Sin
Les explains that 'where sin abounded, grace did much more abound,' showing God's ability to save the vilest sinner, but this doesn't condone continuous sin.
Justification by Faith: What Does It Really Mean?
Verse 14, for sin, that old Adam nature, shall not have dominion or control or a reigning rule over you, for you are not under the law, you're under what? Grace. Now, few people comprehend the grace of God. I think most people understand the definition, its unmerited favor, but that's as far as they can go with it.
Banish the Thought
Les emphasizes that the answer to 'shall we sin because we are under grace?' is 'God forbid'—meaning 'banish the thought.'
Law and Grace Cannot Mix
Les teaches that while salvation is by grace, not by works, this doesn't mean sin is acceptable. He illustrates that law and grace are separate.
Romans 6:1-2: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
This is the core question and emphatic answer regarding continuing in sin under grace.
Romans 6:14: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
This verse clarifies that grace does not mean sin's dominion is allowed, but rather the opposite.
Romans 6:15: What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Paul repeats the question and answer to emphasize that grace is not a license to sin.
Romans 5:20: Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
This verse shows that grace is greater than sin, but it doesn't imply we should continue in sin.
No. Romans 6:15 explicitly asks, 'Shall we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace?' and answers 'God forbid.' Les Feldick teaches that grace is not a license to sin; God's mind on sin hasn't changed.
Les Feldick explains that 'God forbid' is better translated as 'banish the thought.' It is an emphatic rejection of the idea that grace gives permission to sin.
It means that sin does not have to rule over us because we are under grace. However, the old Adam nature still exists, so we must choose to let grace reign rather than sin.
Watch the Teaching: Why Grace Is Not a License to Sin — Romans 6 Explained