Since God Forgives Sins, Can I Do What I Want and Ask For Forgiveness?

Subtopic: Grace Is Not a License to Sin; The Danger of Abusing God’s Grace: True Repentance vs. Willful Sin

Romans 6:1-2 (KJV) – "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"

God’s grace is a gift beyond human comprehension—His mercy is limitless, and His forgiveness is available to all who sincerely seek it. However, this does not mean believers have a license to live however they want, intentionally sinning with the assumption that they can always ask for forgiveness later.

Many people misinterpret grace, believing that since God forgives, they can repeatedly choose sin without consequence, expecting forgiveness every time. But this mindset does not reflect true repentance—it is an abuse of grace and a mockery of God's holiness.

Let’s explore why deliberate sin, expecting automatic forgiveness, is spiritually dangerous and why true repentance requires a transformed heart, not just words of confession.

1. God’s Grace Is Not a Free Pass to Sin

Grace is undeserved favor—it means God forgives and extends mercy despite human failures. However, it was never meant to be an excuse to continue sinning.

Titus 2:11-12 (KJV) – "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 in this present world."

Grace teaches believers to turn away from sin, not to indulge in it. If someone continually chooses sin, relying on forgiveness afterward, they miss the purpose of grace entirely.

2. Mocking God’s Holiness by Choosing Sin

Some people live however they please, thinking they can simply "pray for forgiveness" afterward. But God sees the heart, and if repentance is not genuine, repeated sin becomes a mockery of His righteousness.

Galatians 6:7 (KJV) – "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

To mock God means to treat His holiness casually—to assume He will accept insincere apologies without true change. But God is just, and He does not tolerate intentional rebellion disguised as repentance.

3. The Difference Between Struggle and Willful Sin

Every believer struggles with sin—temptation is part of the human experience. There is a difference between:

Falling into sin, feeling convicted, and repenting with a desire to change.

Deliberately choosing sin, knowing it is wrong, and expecting forgiveness as a backup plan.

True repentance involves brokenness over wrongdoing, a sincere heart, and a commitment to turn away from sinful behaviors.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV) – "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."

If someone only repents out of fear of consequences, but never intends to change, they are not experiencing godly repentance—they are simply trying to escape punishment.

4. True Repentance Leads to a Changed Life

Repentance is not just confessing sin—it is a heart transformation. If someone keeps returning to the same sin, without any effort to change, their repentance is not sincere.

Acts 3:19 (KJV) – "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out."

The word "converted" means transformed, renewed, made different. True repentance leads to visible change. It does not mean someone will never sin again, but it does mean they will no longer deliberately walk in disobedience.

5. Abusing Forgiveness Has Consequences

Repeatedly choosing sin over obedience leads to spiritual consequences. Sin hardens the heart, making it easier to continue in disobedience without conviction.

Hebrews 10:26-27 (KJV) – "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment."

This verse warns that if someone knowingly and deliberately keeps sinning, they risk losing the ability to truly repent. A hardened heart stops feeling conviction, and eventually, they drift further from God’s presence.

6. The Enemy Wants You to Abuse Grace

Satan wants believers to misunderstand grace. He knows that if they continue sinning deliberately, they will weaken their relationship with God.

John 10:10 (KJV) – "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy."

Sin is not just about personal choices—it has a spiritual effect. The more someone deliberately chooses sin, the more the enemy gains influence over their life.

7. Seeking Holiness Over Comfort

God did not call believers to casual Christianity. He calls them to holiness, righteousness, and obedience.

1 Peter 1:16 (KJV) – "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Holiness is not about perfection—it is about the desire to honor God in every decision. Choosing to seek righteousness instead of abusing forgiveness brings spiritual strength, peace, and deeper intimacy with Christ.

8. How to Truly Walk in Repentance

If someone is struggling with sin but wants to walk in true repentance, here’s how to start:

A. Confess Sin With Genuine Brokenness – Ask God for forgiveness with a sincere heart, not just words. B. Make a Decision to Turn Away – Repentance means actively removing sinful influences and walking in obedience. C. Seek Accountability – Surround yourself with believers who encourage holiness. D. Spend More Time in the Word – The Bible renews the mind and helps resist temptation. E. Pray for Strength – Ask God for the power to overcome sinful habits.

9. The Reward of True Repentance

When believers live in true repentance, they experience freedom from guilt, deeper spiritual connection, and the full blessings of God.

Psalm 32:1-2 (KJV) – "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile."

Choosing obedience over temporary pleasure leads to lasting joy and eternal reward.

Conclusion

The belief that God forgives sin, so it’s okay to keep sinning and repent later is dangerous and deceptive. While God's mercy is endless, true repentance means turning away from sin, not abusing grace as an escape from consequences.

God sees the heart, and willful sin disguised as repentance is a mockery of His holiness. Instead of choosing temporary indulgence, believers are called to seek righteousness, honor God, and live transformed lives.

Dr. D. Devon Griffin, Author

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