A man made the following statement:
"God doesn’t love you any less when you’re in bed with your adulterous lover and he doesn’t love you any more when you’re volunteering in the nursery of your
church. And the only reason that sounds wrong is because we’ve been sold moralism and been told it’s Christianity."
How do you feel about this statement?
Did it produce a visceral reaction?
One of the most profound (and provacative) truths of the Christian faith is the unchanging, unconditional love of God. At its core, this concept aligns beautifully with Scripture. The apostle Paul wrote, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This verse paints a picture of divine love that doesn’t waver based on our behavior or spiritual condition. God’s love is steadfast, a cornerstone of the gospel message.
Yet, while this truth brings hope and assurance, it’s crucial to handle it with care. When not fully unpacked, it risks being misunderstood or even misused in ways that distort the nature of God’s relationship with humanity.
God’s Unchanging Love
The beauty of God’s love lies in its constancy. Unlike human love, which often depends on mutual benefit or emotional conditions, God’s love remains firm even in our darkest moments. This is why salvation is described as being by grace, not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Salvation is a gift, unearned and unmerited.
This truth also serves as a powerful rebuttal to moralism—the false belief that our actions determine God’s love for us. Scripture is clear that our righteousness comes solely from Christ. Philippians 3:9 emphasizes this: “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” This rejection of moralism is a vital part of the gospel, freeing us from the impossible burden of trying to earn God’s love through perfect behavior.
Concerns About Misunderstanding
However, emphasizing God’s unchanging love without proper context can lead to unintended consequences. While it is true that God loves us even when we sin, the gravity of sin must not be minimized. Sin isn’t just a mistake or a misstep—it’s an affront to God’s holiness. It grieves Him, disrupts our fellowship with Him, and has real consequences in our lives. Isaiah 59:2 warns, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Similarly, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 says, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Equally important is recognizing the role of sanctification. Christianity is not about earning salvation through good works, but it also doesn’t permit lawlessness. A heart transformed by God’s grace will naturally seek to obey Him out of love and gratitude. John 14:15 captures this truth: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Sanctification is the process by which we become more like Christ, and it requires us to turn away from sin. Romans 6:1-2 declares, “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?”
Another risk is the potential for confusion between God’s love and His approval. While God’s love for us is constant, His pleasure in our actions can vary. God now deals with us as a father deals with his children. Ephesians 4:30 reminds us, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Likewise, Colossians 1:10 says, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Saying that God loves us no less when we sin is true, but it mustn’t be misunderstood as indifference toward sin or an endorsement of it.
God loves sinners deeply, but He also hates sin. This balance must be carefully maintained lest we inadvertantly encourage sin. Psalm 5:4-5 states, “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.” Similarly, Proverbs 6:16-19 lists sins that God hates: “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” This tension is at the heart of the gospel: God’s love for us is so great that He provided a way for our sins to be forgiven through Christ, yet His holiness requires that sin be dealt with.
A Balanced Perspective
The statement about God’s love, while capturing an essential truth, must be balanced with a clear understanding of sin, sanctification, and God’s expectations for His people. I understand that this may be difficult to fully accomplish in a "tweet." True Christianity acknowledges the depth of God’s love while also taking sin seriously. The gospel not only offers forgiveness but also the power to live a transformed life through Christ.
In sharing this message, let us hold both truths in tension: the unshakable love of God and the high calling to walk in holiness. Only then can we fully appreciate the depth and breadth of the gospel’s good news.
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