If we are given grace...

Romans 5:20-6:4 (New International Version)

20The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

    So many times I have talked to people who believe that because God 'is faithful and just to forgive us our sins' (1 John 1:9) that they can sin over and over and still be forgiven. We, as christians should want to live a righteous life. Yes, we will stumble and fall and God will for give us. There is a big difference in sinning (even though you know it is worng) knowing that God will forgive and sinning unintentionally (if that makes sense). It is all in where the heart is. We have a human nature that causes us to sin. As christians we become dead to this life of sin, we are no longer bound to it. We are made free in Christ.
    I believe that if someone is truly saved that you can tell by their actions. In Matthew 7:15-20 it says, 15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." The fruit might look good on the ourside but on a diseased tree the friut can be rotten on the inside.
   So just because we are given the gift of grace does not mean that we can abuse it. If we are true believers though, would we want to? Or would we want to strive for righteousness?