JEFF TURNER

In 2 Corinthians 6:1, the Apostle Paul gives a strong warning to the church in Corinth about not receiving God’s grace without purpose. Paul’s message is clear: believers must not treat God’s gift of grace as something worthless or without effect.

This warning can be understood in two important ways. First, Paul may be addressing those in the church who did not truly believe. He encourages the Corinthian Christians to carefully examine themselves to be sure they really have faith. Some people in the church might have heard the gospel but never truly accepted it, so the grace of God had no real impact on their lives.

Second, Paul could also be warning true believers who had accepted God’s grace but were beginning to live by strict rules instead of by faith. He asks if they are now trying to be made perfect by following the law. He reminds them that salvation comes through the Holy Spirit’s work, not by human efforts or legalism. In other words, some believers might reject the freedom found in grace and try to earn God’s approval through their own actions.

Paul’s message shows that grace must be received sincerely, either by truly believing or by continuing to rely on God’s Spirit rather than human effort. Christians should avoid treating grace as meaningless and instead live in the freedom and power it offers.

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”

John 6:29