The gospel of grace is sometimes twisted into permission for sin. If salvation is not by works, some ask, why not continue in sin so that grace may abound? Paul answers that question with horror: "How can we who died to sin still live in it?" Romans 6:2. Grace is not a license to sin. It is the power that breaks sin's dominion.

Titus 2:11-14 says that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. Grace is a teacher. It instructs us, disciplines us, and transforms us.

The Christian has been united to Christ in His death and resurrection. Romans 6:4 says that we were buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him to walk in newness of life. The old self was crucified with Christ so that the body of sin might be brought to nothing. The believer is no longer under sin's mastery.

This does not mean sinless perfection. It does mean a new direction. The genuine Christian is no longer comfortable with sin. He fights it, confesses it, and grows in obedience. The pattern of his life is marked by repentance and fruit.

The New Testament gives many descriptions of the fruit that grace produces. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Second Peter 1:5–7 calls believers to add virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love to their faith. James says that faith without works is dead.

These fruits do not earn salvation. They prove that salvation has taken root. A tree is known by its fruit. A Christian is known by the grace-empowered change that the Spirit produces.

Holiness is one of the grounds of assurance. First John 2:3 says that by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. This does not mean that obedience keeps us saved. It means that obedience is the evidence that we have been saved. The person who lives in unrepentant sin has no biblical basis for assurance.

Common student mistake: Using grace as an excuse for ongoing sin rather than as the power for ongoing holiness.

Practice assignment: Read Romans 6:1-14 and Titus 2:11-14. Write a one-page plan for one area of life in which you will let grace train you for holiness this month.

Worksheet idea: "Grace's Training Program" — list three sins to renounce, three virtues to pursue, and the Scripture that supports each.

Completion requirement: Student can explain how grace produces holiness and identify at least one fruit of grace in the Christian life.

• What question does Paul reject in Romans 6:1?

ANSWER: "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?"

• According to Titus 2:11-14, what does grace train us to do?

ANSWER: To renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.

• How do good works relate to assurance?

ANSWER: They do not earn salvation, but they are evidence that genuine saving faith is present.