Grace Has Limits

Introduction

Grace is God’s unmerited favour, freely given to those who believe. It is His divine enablement that saves, sustains, and sanctifies. Yet, grace is not a license for lawlessness; it is the power to live in holiness. God’s grace is rich, abundant, and long-suffering, but it is not limitless in tolerance. The elasticity of divine grace is bound by God’s own holiness and righteousness.
“Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid” (Romans 6:1–2). Grace provides a door of mercy, but rebellion keeps it open only for a season. When that season expires without repentance, judgment replaces grace. Thus, grace is conditional upon faith, obedience, and holiness.

1. God’s Promises Are Conditional

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19). Every divine promise carries an “if.” God’s promises are sure, but their fulfillment depends on man’s alignment with His Word. Grace operates within covenant boundaries; when those boundaries are broken, the promise loses its validity. Eli, Saul, and Samson all began under the covering of divine favour, but disobedience annulled their promises. Grace does not cancel the moral government of God. His mercy is great, yet His justice remains unbending.“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off” (Romans 11:22).
Grace requires continuance, a steadfast walk in faithfulness. When men persist in rebellion, they drift beyond the line where mercy can no longer operate.

2. The Elasticity of Grace Is Not Infinite

“My Spirit shall not always strive with man” (Genesis 6:3).From the beginning, God declared that His patience with sin has limits. Grace stretches long, but not endlessly. When His Spirit is grieved and quenched repeatedly, divine withdrawal follows.
When men mistake God’s patience for approval, they court destruction. Grace delays judgment, but does not erase it. When the cup of iniquity fills, grace ceases to plead.
“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).
The elasticity of grace is not infinite because God is unchangeably holy. His mercy endures forever for those who fear Him (Psalm 103:17), but His long-suffering has a terminus for those who despise His Word.

3. The Breaking of Divine Terms Annuls the Promise

“Far be it from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed” (1 Samuel 2:30).
Eli’s family was chosen for perpetual priesthood. Yet when his sons corrupted the altar and Eli restrained them not, God revoked the promise. Grace turned to judgment. “Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm… that there shall not be an old man in thine house” (1 Samuel 2:31).
Similarly, Saul’s kingdom was destined for greatness, but disobedience annulled the divine decree. “Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God… now thy kingdom shall not continue” (1 Samuel 13:13–14).Each case reveals that divine intervention is conditional. When the terms are broken, the covenant collapses. Grace may open a door, but rebellion shuts it.

4. Grace Withdraws When Sin Persists

“But he wist not that the LORD was departed from him” (Judges 16:20). Samson’s tragedy stands as an eternal warning. Though anointed, he toyed with sin until grace withdrew. He presumed God’s power would remain despite his disobedience, but when the Spirit departed, he became an ordinary man.
God’s gifts and callings are holy; misuse leads to forfeiture. Samson’s strength was never his own, it was the presence of God upon him. Once the presence left, the promise expired. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith”(1 Timothy 4:1).
The departure from faith is the withdrawal of grace’s active influence. Those who live in deliberate rebellion place themselves outside the circle of divine favour.

5. Holiness and Obedience: The Conditions of Grace

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”(Hebrews 12:14). Holiness and obedience are the twin pillars sustaining God’s promises. Grace empowers holiness, but does not excuse sin. The believer who claims grace while living in rebellion is deceived. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Obedience is the language of love. To disobey is to despise grace, and to persist in sin is to insult the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29). One act of rebellion can trigger divine review; continuous rebellion can terminate divine partnership. Grace will never coexist with unrepentant sin. It calls sinners to repentance, not to indulgence.

6. When Grace Is Withdrawn

“Then said the LORD, My Spirit shall not always strive with man” (Genesis 6:3).When men continually resist the Holy Spirit, He eventually ceases striving. Divine silence replaces divine pleading. At that point, men are left to their delusions, imagining God’s presence where He has departed. “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone” (Hosea 4:17).
That is the most dreadful sentence heaven can utter, let him alone. When God winds up His dealings with a man, there is no guarantee He will reopen the file. Grace despised becomes judgment declared.

7. The Danger of Living on Cancelled Promises

“The LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Samuel 3:19). When God moves away from a man, that man’s words, dreams, and hopes become empty echoes. To cling to a revoked promise is to live in a cocoon of delusion, like Saul consulting the witch of Endor, hoping to recover what obedience had lost.
There are believers today clutching at memories of former favour while living in rebellion. They mistake past anointing for current approval. Yet grace once withdrawn does not sustain what sin destroys. “Ichabod” — “The glory is departed from Israel”(1 Samuel 4:21).

8. The Path to Restoration

“Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning” (Joel 2:12). Though grace has limits, repentance reopens mercy’s door. God may not renew the old covenant, but He can establish a new one. David lost favour temporarily through sin, but deep repentance restored his fellowship. “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17).
The cry, “Lord, don’t wind up on me!” must be every believer’s plea. True repentance, tearing the heart, not garments, moves God to mercy. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). Grace may begin anew, not because we deserve it, but because God delights in mercy when man truly repents.

9. The Deception of Limitless Grace

“Turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 1:4).Many in this generation teach that grace covers continual rebellion. This is a doctrine of demons designed to lull souls into destruction. Grace does not make sin safe; it makes holiness possible.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 2:11–12). Those who use grace as an excuse for sin are flying toward hell under the banner of deception. Grace never condones rebellion; it convicts and calls to repentance.

10. The Final Call

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15).Grace is a gift, but not an endless indulgence. Every soul must choose to walk in obedience or risk being cut off. The Spirit still pleads, “Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15).
Do not live in the orbit of godless wishful thinking. Repent now, return to God’s Word, and live in holiness. Plead: “Lord, do not wind up on me!” If He grants mercy, it will not be a renewal of the old promise, but a fresh covenant of grace—restored through repentance, renewed through obedience, and preserved by holiness.

Conclusion

Grace is not a bottomless well to be abused, it is a holy river flowing from the throne of God, reserved for those who walk uprightly.
“The LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).Walk uprightly. Obey His voice. Keep His covenant. For grace has limits, yet mercy remains for the broken and contrite heart.
Final Admonition: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
Grace is divine privilege; sin is human peril. When grace withdraws, judgment steps in. May we live so that grace remains active, mercy abides, and fellowship endures forever!

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© 2025 Green Olives Christian Books. All rights reserved.

THINGS THAT GOD CALLED US TO REMEMBER

God called the attention of the elects to "REMEMBER" as a sundry warning to be watchful for several important reasons, each tied to the spiritual health and faithfulness of His people. Here’s a deeper exploration of why "remember" is so crucial in God’s warnings:

1. Preventing Backsliding and Forgetfulness:

God knows that human nature tends to forget, especially during times of prosperity, comfort, or spiritual stagnation. Throughout Scripture, when God calls His people to remember, He is urging them to recall their relationship with Him, the blessings they've received, and the consequences of sin. Forgetting God's past acts of deliverance and faithfulness often leads to backsliding. This forgetfulness causes a weakening of faith, neglect of obedience, and drifting into sin. By commanding the elect to remember, God provides a safeguard against spiritual decline:

Deuteronomy 8:11-14 reminds Israel to remember their dependence on God, so they don’t fall into pride and idolatry when they become prosperous. Psalm 78:40-42 illustrates how Israel’s failure to remember God’s works led them to grieve and provoke God.

2. Encouraging Repentance and Returning to God

When God calls His people to remember how they have fallen or turned away from Him, it is often an invitation to repentance and restoration. This remembrance is not just intellectual but deeply spiritual, prompting the elect to compare their present condition with the spiritual heights they once enjoyed. It is a call to recognize their need for repentance and return to their first love and devotion to God:

Revelation 2:5 calls the church of Ephesus to remember how far they have fallen, repent, and return to their former devotion. God, in His mercy, consistently offers the opportunity for His people to turn back to Him. Remembering is key to this process of repentance, helping believers see how far they have drifted and encouraging them to realign their hearts and lives with God’s will.

3. Remember Lot's wife

In Luke 17:32, Jesus gives a brief but powerful warning, reminding His followers of Lot’s wife, who looked back at Sodom and was turned into a pillar of salt. This serves as a caution against backsliding and returning to sin after being delivered.

4. Avoiding the Repetition of Past Mistakes

God often uses remembering as a way of warning His people not to repeat the sins of the past. By recalling past failures, the elect are reminded of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion, which motivates them to stay vigilant in their walk with God. This is particularly true when remembering instances of divine judgment or discipline that were brought about by sin:

Deuteronomy 9:7 calls the Israelites to remember how they provoked God’s wrath in the wilderness due to their rebellion, warning them to avoid repeating such behavior. Luke 17:32 reminds Jesus’ followers to remember Lot’s wife, who perished because of her backward glance to her old life of sin. By reflecting on these past examples, believers are reminded to be watchful and guard their hearts against the temptations and sins that could lead them down the same destructive path.

5. Remaining Grateful and Humble

God calls His elect to remember as a means of fostering gratitude and humility. When they reflect on God’s past faithfulness, provision, and protection, they are reminded that everything they have is by God's grace. This remembrance helps guard against the pride and self-sufficiency that can lead to sin: Deuteronomy 8:18 urges Israel to remember that it is God who gives them the power to gain wealth, ensuring they do not become prideful and forget His role in their success. Remembering God's blessings and acts of deliverance cultivates a heart of thanksgiving and humility, which keeps believers in a posture of reliance on God rather than on themselves.

6. Strengthening Faith and Hope

By calling the elect to remember His past acts of salvation, miracles, and faithfulness, God strengthens their faith and trust in Him for the future. This remembrance serves as an anchor in times of trials, encouraging believers to remain steadfast and hopeful, knowing that the same God who acted in the past will be faithful in the present and future:

Psalm 105:5 urges the elect to remember God's marvelous works, His wonders, and judgments, strengthening their confidence in His continued faithfulness. By remembering God’s faithfulness in history, the elect are encouraged to persevere through challenges and remain watchful, knowing that God’s promises are true.

7. Remaining Watchful for the Return of Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles often call the elect to remember as part of being spiritually alert and watchful for His return. This is a warning to avoid complacency and to live in a state of readiness, keeping their hearts pure and their eyes focused on eternal things:

Luke 17:32 reminds believers of the danger of looking back longingly at worldly things, as Lot's wife did, which serves as a warning to remain watchful and forward-focused on Christ’s return. The command to remember keeps the elect vigilant, maintaining a holy lifestyle and avoiding distractions that can pull them away from God’s purpose.

Overall, God's call to remember is a vital part of His strategy to keep His people from spiritual failure, backsliding, and sin. It serves as a reminder of His past faithfulness, a call to repentance, and a warning to avoid past mistakes. Through remembering, the elect are encouraged to remain humble, grateful, and watchful, fully relying on God for their spiritual growth and protection. Remembering helps believers stay rooted in the truth of God’s Word and maintain a steady course of obedience and devotion, ensuring that they are prepared for His ultimate return. "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;" (Eclessiates 12:1). This verse warns young people to remember God early in life, urging them to stay faithful and avoid a life of regret, which comes with turning away from God in later years. These verses emphasize the importance of remembering God’s commandments, past deliverance, and warnings as a way of avoiding backsliding into sin.

THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains” (Matthew 24:15-16). Here, Jesus spoke of a coming “abomination of desolation” in the Olivet Discourse as He referenced a future event Jesus was referring to a prophecy originally given to the prophet Daniel: “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days” (Daniel 12:11; Read Daniel 9:27). The concept of the "abomination of desolation" is indeed a significant and biblical prophecy in the Bible, primarily in the book of Daniel and mentioned by Jesus in the New Testament. It carries both historical and future implications, and its interpretation can vary among theologians and scholars, but the word of God is true an abided for ever. Here is an overview of its key aspects of this prophecy:

1. Daniel's Prophecy (Daniel 12:11; Daniel 9:27): In the book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 12:11, there is a reference to the "abomination that causes desolation." This prophecy has historical fulfillments, including events involving the Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes during the intertestamental period. Antiochus defiled the Jewish temple and prohibited Jewish religious practices.

2. Jesus' Reference & future fulfillment (Matthew 24:15): Jesus refers to Daniel's prophecy in the New Testament in Matthew 24:15, where He speaks of a future fulfillment of the "abomination of desolation." This reveals that while there were historical events related to this prophecy, there is also a future aspect that is yet to occur. Many interpretations of the "abomination of desolation" focus on a future fulfillment associated with the end times. This often involves the idea that an Antichrist figure will set up an idol or engage in a blasphemous act in a holy place (possibly a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem) and demand worship. "And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH Revelation 17:4-5" (Please read Revelation17:16-17).

3. Desolation and Fleeing: According to the prophecies, the abomination of desolation will trigger a period of great distress, and people in Judea are advised to flee to the mountains for safety. This event is seen as a significant sign of the end times and the Second Coming of Christ. Read Matthew 24:16-21; Rev 12:14.

4. Variations in Interpretation: The interpretation of the "abomination of desolation" can vary among different Christian denominations and theological traditions. Some see it as a literal event, while others view it symbolically, representing various forms of spiritual idolatry, persecution, and wickedness.

While historical events, such as those involving Antiochus Epiphanes and the Roman occupation of Jerusalem, may have partial fulfillments, there is a widely held biblical prophecy that there will be a future, ultimate fulfillment associated with the end times and the coming of an Antichrist figure. Interpretations of the specifics of this event may vary, but it remains a significant aspect of eschatological discussions in Christian faith.

The explanation provides a detailed interpretation of the prophetic elements related to the "abomination of desolation" as described in the book of Daniel and mentioned by Jesus in the New Testament. It highlights several key points:

A. Treaty with Israel: There will be a future covenant or treaty made with the people of Israel, often interpreted as a significant future event.

B. Duration of the Treaty: The treaty's duration is understood to be a period of seven years, commonly associated with the prophetic Daniel "week" in biblical terms.

C. Midway Event: In the middle of this seven-year period, the ruler will take actions that disrupt Jewish religious practices, specifically ending the sacrifices and offerings in the temple.

D. Desecration of the Temple: The ruler will commit an act of desecration within the temple, often involving a sacrilegious object or act.

E. Timing of Judgment: The desecration of the temple will continue for a specified period, 1,290 days (approximately 3½ years and 1 month), until the judgment of God is executed. This is the Great Tribulation that depicted as a period of unprecedented suffering and turmoil, as indicated in Matthew 24:21. It is said to last for a period of three and a half years and is considered the latter half of a seven-year tribulation period. It is often seen as means to bring suffering to Israel, leading them to recognize their need for the Messiah (Jesus Christ) whom they have historically rejected. This suffering is believed to prepare Israel for their ultimate reconciliation with the Messiah. Therefore, the interpretation aligns with the idea that the "abomination of desolation" represents a significant and offensive act that defiles a holy place, causing desolation and leading to divine judgment. The act of "abomination" is detested or loathed by God due to its offensiveness to His holiness. it is seen as an act or object that goes against God's sacred nature and triggers His judgment. However, all believers who are raptured would not go through the great tribulation but experience eternal salvation and join in a joyful celebration, often referred to as the "marriage supper in heaven with Christ," as described in Revelation 19:6-9.

As a result, it serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance, prayer, and readiness for the unfolding of these events as part of the broader eschatological narrative in Christian faith. This is a message of encouragement and caution for believers because the time is short. Here are some key points for Christians to take note:

1. Watchfulness and Prayer: Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and in a state of constant prayer, staying spiritually awake and aware of the signs of the times (Matthew 26:41; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

2. The Imminent Rapture: The message highlights the imminent catching away of the saints popularly known as the rapture of the saints, a significant event in Christian eschatology where believers are said to be caught up to be with the Lord in the air. The bible reference in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, fully explained how the rapture looks like. It describes the how the true believers in Christ (the brides) will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, an event that is anticipated to precede the Great Tribulation. Hence, be prepared!

3. Avoiding Earthly Entanglements: Believers are cautioned against becoming too entangled or preoccupied with the affairs of this world. Earthly concerns, distractions, and sinful behaviors are seen as potential hindrances to spiritual readiness (1John 2:15-17).

4. Spiritual Preparation: The message underscores the importance of spiritual purity and living a blameless life. This includes turning away from sin, seeking forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and striving for holiness (Matthew 24:42; Hebrews 12:14).

5. The Analogy of the Bride: Believers are encouraged to prepare for the rapture like a bride getting ready for her bridegroom. This analogy signifies a state of readiness, purity, and anticipation (Revelation 19:7).

Above all, believers in Christ are encouraged to continue and maintain their faith, remain vigilant in their spiritual walk, and be prepared for the anticipated return of Christ and the rapture event. They are to prioritize more on spiritual matters over worldly concerns and to live a life that is pleasing to God in anticipation of that glorious event. For those who are yet to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ by repenting of their sins through confession and forsake them are encouraged to do so now because tomorrow may be too late. Now is the day of salvation!

© 2025 Green Olives Christian Books. All rights reserved.

TARES AMONG THE WHEATS

“But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” - Matthew 13:29,30; (Please read Matthew 13:23-43) - KJV.

The parable of the wheat and tares, as presented in this message, is a powerful teaching from Jesus Christ about the coexistence of good and evil in the world and the eventual separation of the righteous from the unrighteous. his parable is one of several parables that Jesus used to teach important spiritual lessons about the kingdom of heaven. In this parable:

• The sower represents Jesus, who sows good seed in His field, which represents the world.

• The good seed represents the children of the kingdom, or the righteous.

• The tares represent the children of the wicked one, or the unrighteous.

• The enemy who sowed the tares represents the devil.

Here are some key lessons and concepts from this parable:

1. Coexistence of Good and Evil: The parable illustrates that in the world and even within religious congregations, there is a mixture of genuine believers (wheat) and those who may appear righteous but are not truly committed to God (tares).

2. Spiritual Warfare: It emphasizes that Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle and need to be vigilant against the schemes of the enemy. The enemy often tries to sow confusion and discord among believers when they are vulnerable.

3. Caution against Hasty Judgment: When the servants of the sower (representing believers) notice the presence of tares, they inquire about uprooting them. However, the sower advises against doing so, as removing the tares might inadvertently harm the wheat. This teaches a lesson of patience and divine judgment.

4. Patience and Divine Judgment: Jesus teaches patience by advising not to hastily uproot the tares. Instead, He emphasizes that a time of divine judgment will come when the separation of the righteous and the wicked will occur. This highlights God's ultimate authority and wisdom in sorting out the genuine from the false.

5. Final Separation: The parable foreshadows a day of judgment when Jesus, as the Son of Man, will send His angels to separate the righteous from the wicked. The righteous will be welcomed into the kingdom of God, while the wicked will face judgment and punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

6. Repentance and Conversion: Your message also offers hope by encouraging sinners and those who may be categorized as "tares" to repent, turn away from sin, and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It highlights that there is an opportunity for transformation and becoming genuine followers of Christ.

7. Holiness and Separation: The call to "come out from among them" and "be ye separate" emphasizes the importance of holy living and separating from sinful practices. It reflects the biblical principle of sanctification (Hebrews 12:14).

Therefore, the parable of the wheat and tares is a profound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ that reminds us of the coexistence of good and evil, the need for spiritual discernment, the patience of God in allowing both to grow together, and the promise of a future separation and judgment. It calls individuals to examine their spiritual state, repent, and turn to Christ for salvation before the day of separation and judgment arrives. Are you among the tares in the Church? You can change your position today by turning away from sinful habits through genuine repentance and be converted. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal saviour today!

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