Series: Twisting the Scriptures — Post 5
The Error of Balaam
“Turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness…” — Jude 1:4
“Which have forsaken the right way… following the way of Balaam…” — 2 Peter 2:15
The grace of God is one of the most beautiful truths in all of Scripture. It is the undeserved favor of God that brings salvation, empowers holiness, and sustains us daily. But when twisted, grace becomes a weapon—used not to free people from sin, but to justify it.
This is the error of Balaam—a prophet who knew the truth, yet taught God’s people to compromise, all while appearing spiritual (Numbers 22–25; Revelation 2:14).
In today’s Church, this error is not only tolerated—it’s popular.
What Does It Mean to “Turn Grace into Lasciviousness”?
Jude 1:4 gives a sober warning:
“…ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness…”
“Lasciviousness” means unrestrained, sensual, immoral living.
In other words, these men used grace as an excuse to sin—as a cover for lawlessness, worldliness, and rebellion.
They didn’t preach against grace. They preached a twisted grace—one that removes accountability, denies the fear of God, and disconnects salvation from transformation.
What Twisted Grace Sounds Like Today
- “It doesn’t matter how you live—God’s grace covers it.”
- “We’re under grace, not under law—so don’t judge.”
- “God loves you just as you are—and He’s fine if you stay that way.”
- “Repentance is works-based religion.”
- “Holiness? That’s legalism.”
This message feels good to the flesh, but it leaves souls in bondage. It comforts the unconverted and silences the truly convicted.
True Grace: A Power, Not a Pass
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts…” — Titus 2:11–12
Grace is not passive. It teaches. It empowers. It denies sin.
True grace:
- Calls us out of darkness
- Teaches us to say no to sin
- Leads to godliness, not indulgence
- Produces humility, not entitlement
The apostles never preached grace apart from transformation. Grace was the doorway into a new life, not a free pass for the old one.
Modern Bible Versions Weaken the Message
Many modern versions soften or obscure the convicting power of Titus 2:11–12 and related verses. For example:
- KJV:
“…denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly…” - NIV:
“…It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions…”
The moral demand is softened into suggestion. “Denying” becomes “saying no.” “Godliness” becomes “self-control.” The result? Grace is reduced to a therapist instead of a transforming power.
The Spirit of Balaam in the Church
“Thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam…” — Revelation 2:14
Balaam showed Israel how to mix with Moab—how to eat things sacrificed to idols and commit fornication—while still looking like God’s people.
Today, many preachers do the same:
- Mixing sensuality with worship
- Allowing worldliness in the name of outreach
- Preaching freedom while producing slaves to sin
It is grace without the cross. Love without truth. Faith without obedience.
Word for the Overcomer:
Cling to true grace—the kind that crucifies your old life and raises you in the power of the Holy Spirit. Let no man teach you to tolerate what Christ died to free you from. Grace is not a cover for sin—it is your strength to overcome it.