Lawless Society

The Danger of Lawlessness: Why Christians Must Call Out Evil

In recent years, the rise of the hyper-grace movement has left many Christians confused about their responsibility to uphold God’s standards. Grace is a beautiful, transformative gift from God, but when it’s misrepresented, it can become a tool for justifying sin and ignoring accountability.

At its core, this distortion of grace fosters lawlessness—a rejection of God’s righteous ways. When Christians refuse to call out evil, they inadvertently align themselves with this spirit of lawlessness, opening the door for greater deception. Let’s examine why accountability is not just important but essential for the body of Christ.

Lawlessness and Avoiding Accountability: Two Sides of the Same Coin

1. Grace is Not a License for Lawlessness
The hyper-grace movement teaches that because Jesus paid for our sins, there’s no longer a need for repentance or obedience. This is a direct contradiction of Scripture.

• Romans 6:15 asks: “Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!”

• True grace empowers us to live righteously, not to abandon God’s commands.

When grace is misused to avoid accountability, it leads to a mindset where sin is tolerated and even excused. This is the very definition of lawlessness: rejecting God’s authority in favor of self-rule.

2. Calling Out Evil is a Biblical Mandate
Christians are not called to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing. Ephesians 5:11 is clear:
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”

When we fail to address sin—whether in ourselves or others—we allow it to fester and grow. The enemy thrives in this atmosphere, using our silence to sow confusion and compromise within the Church.

The Devil in the Details: Subtle Deceptions of the Enemy

The enemy’s tactics are rarely blatant; they are subtle and insidious. One of his greatest deceptions is convincing believers that confronting sin is “unloving” or “judgmental.”

Consider These Lies:

• “You’re being judgmental; only God can judge.”
  While ultimate judgment belongs to God, believers are called to exercise righteous discernment. John 7:24 commands: “Judge correctly.”

• “Grace covers everything; there’s no need to address sin.”
  This false teaching ignores the countless verses where Jesus and the apostles call for repentance and obedience.

• “Focusing on sin is unkind and divisive.”
  True kindness involves leading others away from destruction. Ignoring sin is not love—it’s neglect. Proverbs 27:5-6 reminds us: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”

These lies serve one purpose: to render Christians passive in the face of evil, allowing the spirit of lawlessness to infiltrate the Church.

Jesus’ Example: Grace and Accountability in Perfect Balance

Jesus is the ultimate example of how grace and accountability coexist. He offered forgiveness to sinners but never excused their sin.

• To the woman caught in adultery, He said: “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).

• To the Pharisees, He openly rebuked their hypocrisy: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:13).

Jesus’ approach was always redemptive. He called out sin to lead people to repentance, not to condemn them. As His followers, we are called to do the same.

Accountability is a Weapon Against Lawlessness

Holding one another accountable is not just a duty—it’s a form of spiritual warfare. The devil thrives in environments where sin is unchecked, but accountability exposes his schemes and restores righteousness.

James 5:20 tells us:
“Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

Calling out sin is not about being harsh or self-righteous; it’s about protecting the integrity of the Church and guiding individuals back to the truth.

Practical Steps for Calling Out Evil

1. Examine Yourself First
   Before addressing someone else’s wrongdoing, reflect on your own heart. Matthew 7:5 teaches us to remove the plank from our own eye before addressing the speck in someone else’s.

2. Speak the Truth in Love
   Accountability must be rooted in love, not condemnation. Approach the individual privately and humbly, as Jesus instructs in Matthew 18:15.

3. Use Scripture as the Standard
   Opinions are subjective, but God’s Word is unchanging. Ground your correction in Scripture, ensuring it aligns with God’s truth.

4. Be Prepared for Resistance
   Not everyone will receive correction well. Stand firm in truth, trusting God to work in their heart. Remember 2 Timothy 4:2: “Correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

Conclusion: Grace Without Accountability is Not Love

The hyper-grace movement has led many to reject accountability, but this is not the Gospel. True grace transforms us, calling us out of lawlessness and into a life of obedience to God’s Word.

As Christians, we cannot remain silent in the face of evil. Whether it’s addressing sin within our own hearts or calling out wrongdoing in others, we must stand for righteousness.

“If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.” — Proverbs 28:9

Let us remember that accountability is an act of love, a weapon against lawlessness, and a reflection of God’s holiness. The devil may be in the details, but the truth of Christ will always prevail.

Stay vigilant, remain faithful, and walk boldly in the light of God’s truth.

In Christ's Love and Grace,

Pastor Benjamin