Mardi Gras

For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 (KJV)

What does this verse mean to you as a believer? Does it mean simply that God was so benevolent that He could not bear to see people die and go to Hell.

God allowed Jesus to suffer and die on Calvary for lost sinners.

Then, all we have to do is believe that, and we are saved. Once we believe, then we can go on living our lives the way we choose without a thought.

No. It means so much more, doesn’t it?

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:17 (KJV)

This devotion is not a protest against Mardi Gras. But many people are going to be focused on a secular holiday that really misses the point of the high-cost Christ paid for mankind.

He that believeth on him is not condemned:

but he that believeth not is condemned already,

because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:18 (KJV)

So, what do committed believers do with Mardi Gras, the holiday that embraces, “Let the good times roll”?

It is a time of overindulgence, followed by a show of confession and repentance for some religious people. This is mystifying.

Yet believers who watch this from the position of judgement have also sinned. We are not called to judge anyone.

Is there a Biblical answer? Is there proof that people who celebrate Mardi Gras are wrong?

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? Romans 6:1 & 2

If you are really a follower of Christ Jesus, then you have the Spirit of God living in your heart. There is no doubt how you, a professing Christian, are to reveal the character of Jesus in your life. The Holy Spirit helps you to know what is sinful.

Some professing believers cannot understand what is wrong with enjoying a season of excess if it is followed by repentance. But to a truly redeemed believer, this is an absolute abuse of grace.

If Jesus lives in our hearts, we will still sin. But if you can have no remorse for planning to intentionally sin then you have a serious problem. Planning to break God’s moral law, is rebellion against God. There is no way that a true born-again believer will ever plan to sin against God. (1 John 1-5)

God’s Word warns us about the sin of subjecting ourselves to temptation. If going to any event associated with Mardi Gras could remotely lead you into sin, then stay away.

The Spirit would never lead you to any event where you could be tricked into sin or create even the appearance of impropriety.

The Spirit leads people to repent. He does not lead His children into places that could endanger them spiritually.

Always keep in mind, there is nothing more offensive than a believer who argues over the depravity of Mardi Gras in an unkind and overbearing way. We are all sinners. Not everyone who attends a Mardi Gras event behaves immorally.

Also, God’s law for living a godly life is not for non-believers. God’s law is for His own. Instead of pointing out the sin of Mardi Gras to lost people, share the Gospel when appropriate.

It isn’t the celebration of Mardi Gras that will lead people to eternal separation from God. It is the rejection of His Son, Jesus.

Share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain