Thursday, 9 May 2013
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19
Building on what he said in 5:18, Paul shows the result of Adam’s offense and Jesus’ righteous act – the contrast is clear. Adam’s disobedience is contrasted with Jesus’ obedience. The outcome is that through Adam humanity became sinners; through Jesus humanity will be made righteous.
As the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), humanity died, but through Jesus, eternal life can be restored (John 3:16).
For those who remain in Adam, there will be “outer darkness” (Matthew 25:30), but for those who move to Christ there will be eternal light (Revelation 21:23).
The words here are meant to inspire us to reach out for the cross and to receive the work of Jesus. It is hard to imagine the decision to reject Him, but He indicated that it is in our nature to desire our spiritually blinded state – “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19
Everything around Jesus’ words in John 3:19 indicates that if we are willing to open our eyes, we can see the light and step into it. When that choice is made, its effects are glorious. Adam’s misdeed is overturned by the work of Christ.
Life application: How long did you walk in darkness before you came to the light? Don’t give up on those who have turned down Jesus, but keep praying for them and being a witness to them of the path which will restore them to God. Keep sharing Jesus with them.
Heavenly Father, I can’t claim to know it all – Your word is filled with wisdom that I will search through for eternity. But I know this, I know that my Redeemer lives and that through Him, You have restored me to You. All the enmity of the past is gone and now I stand forgiven, free, and on the path to eternal glory. Thank You for my Lord. Amen.