Lenten Reader | Day 6

February 28th, 2023

Grace & Righteousness

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

Romans 5:15-17

This is a short passage, but it contains a huge message for us. While it can be a little confusing at first, I will put it in “kid language” which is about all I speak: the sin and disobedience of one man refers to the sin of Adam. That one sin led to being cast out of the Garden of Eden and all people, from then on, being sinful and dead in their transgression.

BUT the good news is that one man, Jesus Christ, being obedient to God, gives all people everywhere HOPE. Through his obedience to God – even death on the cross – everyone can have the gift of grace and righteousness. We are not doomed in our sin but can receive salvation.

As a child we were always excited as we waited for Christmas, our birthday, or even Easter as we had hope of getting the most wanted toy. As adults we sometimes are the same way as we wait on that job promotion, new house, new car, or dream vacation. With the hope it will be all we ever wanted.

As Christians, we no longer have to wait with hope that God will give us grace and make things right. We can be assured with hope that through the obedience of just one man, Jesus Christ, we have grace and righteous over and over again. And it is free to all people everywhere. Do you want to be that child or adult just waiting or do you want to be that Christian that is sure of God’s gift of grace?

Molly Lloyd