controlled by, concluded in, and committed to the grace of Christ

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

2 Corinthians 6:1

What does it mean to receive the grace of God in vain? Paul’s urgent appeal here is best understood in the previous context in which he also made a strong personal commitment to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 5:13… For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. What had Paul and his ministry team in such a frame of mind? Why were they so worked up? The power of the message of the gospel is the answer. They were controlled by God’s love in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14). They concluded that all who come to Christ died in Him so that they no longer lived self-directed lives, but for the sake of a crucified and risen Savior. They were convinced that the Corinthians needed to live out the gospel this same way.

To not live for Him Who died and rose again would be to receive the grace of God in vain. The gospel reception isn’t just a nod to a set of statements. it is a transforming commitment to an all new life, directed by a powerful, loving, living Lord! It would call believers into tested commitments and potential persecution (2 Corinthians 6:4-10). It would result in new allegiance that made each believer a holy temple in which God resided… a call to holy living markedly different than the standards of pagan culture… holiness marks those who truly receive the grace of God (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

Since Jesus is Lord, there will be visible ways He is known in His people! He will bear me up in hardships and possible persecutions. He will deliver me, hold me near, and strengthen me in trials. He will transform those difficulties by grace into displays of His glory and power! He will also equip me by His righteousness to live a holy life in a world that is dark compared to the light of God’s holiness. Jesus will live in me… His temple.