Few things are more disheartening than a well-known and beloved pastor “falling from grace” because of adultery. These former pastors are often removed, criticized, and written off. Many of them limp away quietly into the valley of the shadow of death.
But is this how it has to be? After his affair with Bathsheba, David was convicted of his sin but also was convinced of God’s unfailing grace. He cried out in faith, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). You see, in God’s economy when we fall, His grace is elevated!
Each of us will reach a point in our lives where because of sin—any sin—we may feel hopeless and unforgiveable. But that’s not the truth. In that moment, remember God’s amazing grace. Remember the cross of Christ where that sin was paid for in full.
One pastor who knows what it is like to “fall from grace” realized the saying “fall from grace” actually isn’t true at all. He wrote, “Welcome to the valley of the shadow of death… thank God grace reigns here” (Tullian Tchividjian, 2015). It will for you, too.