Here is a verse that could be construed to mean God overlooks our sinful behavior and forgives us because of Christ. But a look at the context will reveal that grace is not being contrasted with righteous living but with the statutes of the Law of Moses.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. (Acts 15:5)

To continue our thought:

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (Acts 20:32)

Notice that God's grace not only forgives us but also builds us up in Christ. Grace is not a legal maneuver whereby sinful, rebellious "believers" can escape the wrath of God. Grace is the Presence of God in Christ that forms the righteous Christ in us, resulting in a transformation of our personality and behavior.

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ: (Romans 3:24)

The above verse might seem to support the current viewpoint that Divine grace is a perpetual covering of the sins of the believer, a new manner in which God views man and relates to man. But a careful consideration of Chapters Two through Five of the Book of Romans will reveal that Paul is contrasting redemption through Christ with redemption through the Law of Moses.

Paul would never contrast Divine grace with moral cleanliness, truthfulness, and honesty because the very purpose of grace is to create righteousness in us. This is why problems arise when we seek to balance the necessity for righteous behavior with an appeal to grace. Grace is not an alternative to moral transformation, to the new creation in Christ's moral image, but the producer of the image of Christ.

How could grace be an alternative to the new creation when the purpose of Divine grace is to produce the new creation?

We ought always to balance our preaching of the severity of God with a clear expression of the goodness of God. But let us keep in mind that the goodness of God never dilutes the severity of God. We are not to think that God's severity will never be exercised against us because of His goodness. Rather, the goodness of God provides enabling power and wisdom (grace) that make it possible for us to turn away from sin and to walk in paths of righteousness.

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)

If we as a Gentile believer do not continue in God's goodness, that is, to walk before Him in faith and righteousness, we will be cut off from the Olive Tree, from Christ, just as happened to the unbelieving Jews.

To be continued.