There is a link between what Paul was dealing with in the previous chapter and the subject matter in this new chapter. Paul had been at pains to set forth the great mercy of God in sending His Son to die on Calvary and make reconciliation of the elect upon the cross.
There is found in the closing verses of chapter 5, one of the clearest definitions of the work of Christ upon the cross. Paul issues the appeal that the preacher must ever sound out in verse 20.
The chapter 6 commences with a further appeal. It is an appeal to those who have listened to the first appeal. Receive not the grace of God in vain, verse 1.
I wish this morning to introduce this chapter by looking at the first two verses. In them we have a reference to the grace of God and to receiving it in vain.
I. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO RECEIVE THE GRACE OF GOD.
The grace of God means the favour God has bestowed on any that have heard the gospel message that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, verse 5:19.
Who can estimate the favour that God bestows upon a sinner when they are caused to hear the gospel message. The privilege granted to the shepherds in Bethlehem is no more than that granted to any who hear the message that unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord, Luke 2:11. It was the message not the messengers that comprised the privilege of the shepherds.
1. There is the general favour shown to sinners by God. That He should think upon sinners and purpose to save some and that at such a price, even the death of His only Son. Instant damnation would be completely justified. But mercy has a plan of redemption.
2. There is the particular favour granted to those who hear of God’s grace. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Isaiah 52:7. Is it not a favour bestowed by heaven that you should hear what the majority in this world may never hear?
3. There is the personal favour granted to those who obey the gospel. They, by the grace of God, are brought to embrace the gospel. It is not enough to hear. You must obey by submission to the gospel. Was not Lazarus favoured over all the other dead, when he was called from the grave?
II. A PERSON MAY BE FAVOURED AN YET NOT PROFIT FROM IT.
You may receive not the grace of God in vain. In order to help you avoid this consider:—
1. God has a set time for dealing in mercy with sinners. There is the accepted time, there is the day of salvation, verse 2. Outside of those times, there was no mercy or salvation. Ark shut up, Gen 7:16. Manna melted, Exodus 16:21. As the rain is given in its season, so is it with the workings of God’s grace. There is no hope outside of those times, Proverbs 1:23-31, Luke 19:42.
2. The time of grace may be known by certain evidences.
Enlightenment of mind. As day is known by sunshine, so in day of grace light shines. Enlightenment is granted, Hebrews 6:4, Mark 10:22.
Conviction of sin. It is the time of the Holy Spirit’s striving, Gen 6:3; Hebrews 6:4. The heart is made to feel its need of cleansing and pardon. These are evidences of favour being shown. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance, Psalm 89:15. The day of Christ’s ministry in Israel was a day of grace for the nation.
3. No profit may be had from the gospel until it is obeyed. Jesus may come and pass by without the sinner availing of the opportunity, Mark 10:48.
III. THOSE WHO SQUANDER SUCH OPPORTUNITIES ARE THE MOST WRETCHED OF CREATURES.
Matthew 11:20-24.
Clearly, the most wretched creature that abides all his days in pagan darkness and depraved pursuits is better off than the one who receives the grace of God in vain. Hell’s deepest caverns are reserved for those who attended the most lively of gospel services but who refused the mercy offered.
Heed this warning today for the sake of your eternal soul.