2 Corinthians 6:1, We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
Even Christians are the most grievous sinners against God. The great apostle Paul—once a murderer and persecutor—called himself the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). What serious Christian does not plead guilty before God as the chief of sinners? Every sin is a deadly sin—every sin testifies to our guilt, and the punishment for every sin is death (Romans 6:23). It is no wonder every Christian thinks himself the chief of sinners, for so we are! Yet Paul continues in his guilty plea: he has received mercy for the reason that he is the chief of sinners—an example of Christ’s perfect patience to lead us into eternal life (v. 16).
Receive the grace of God, therefore, not in vain. God’s Word does not return to Him empty (Isaiah 55:11), and His Word says you are forgiven, you are justified (Romans 5:1; 8:1). Furthermore, let us declare in our despair, “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24)! God’s grace does not depend on you, otherwise it would no longer be grace. You are forgiven—you are made right with God (cf. John 10:28-29). God said it, and so it is.
