Paul said, “We then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also
that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” I Corinthians 6:1.
What does that mean?
To receive something in vain is to receive it as something as worthless or unimportant. Have you ever given a gift to somebody that they did not appreciate? They put the gift aside and it cannot benefit them. That, in a sense, is what happens with the “grace of God” that is given to many, but received in vain. It is laid aside and the benefit is not received. God’s gift when not appreciated is worthless to them; it has little meaning and without benefit to them. It is received in vain.
Paul knew well what the grace of God would do for them if it was received into the heart and beseeched the people to receive it.
“The refining influence of the grace of God changes the natural disposition of man. Heaven would not be desirable to the carnal-minded; their natural, unsanctified hearts would feel no attraction toward that pure and holy place, and if it were possible for them to enter, they would find there nothing congenial. The propensities that control the natural heart must be subdued by the grace of Christ before fallen man is fitted to enter heaven and enjoy the society of the pure, holy angels.” The Acts of the Apostles, 273.
The influence of the grace of God when received into the heart changes the natural disposition of man and he is fitted to enter heaven and enjoy the society of the pure, holy angels. But when somebody considers God’s grace as worthless and receives it in vain, no change takes place in his heart. We are told that, “He (God) does not take pleasure in any man who retains his old nature, and is not so renewed in knowledge and grace that he is a new man in Christ.” Amazing Grace, 66.
Also, it is only by the grace of God that one can be led to repentance. “That repentance which is produced by the influence of divine grace upon the heart will lead to confession and forsaking of sin.” Acts of the Apostles, 324.
“In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around.” Ibid., 551.
The influence of the grace of God changes our lives. To “receive the grace of God in vain” is to turn away from the new life, “the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24.