Saturday, 11 May 2013
…so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21
The amazing words of chapter 5 conclude with this verse. This chapter has been an astonishing array of theological truths centered on the work of Jesus Christ and His glory. The chapter finishes with the continuation of the thought seen in verse 5:20.
“So that as sin reigned in death” tells us that the consequences of Adam’s sin found their throne in the death of humanity. When he sinned, death reigned over all of Adam’s fallen kingdom. But “even so” – despite this being true, a truth which is undeniable, Paul will complete the contrast and show the glory of God’s grace.
Every baby born has one guarantee in its new life – that is to die. And this death is a result of its spiritually dead state. Even so “grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life.” When all seemed lost for the human race, God revealed His promise; a promise which came 4000 years after Adam’s fall. In stepped Jesus. John tells us the marvel of what he personally witnessed –
“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” John 1:16
The law was introduced to show us the utterly sinful nature of sin; transgression heaped upon transgression. But through this demonstration of our fallen nature came the superabundance of God’s grace in the coming of Christ. Because of His work, grace reigns in righteousness, even unto eternal life. The kingdom of Christ is one of righteousness and life, a complete contrast to Adam’s kingdom of sin and death. Just as the newborn baby has the guarantee of death, the born again believer in Christ has the guarantee of eternal life. What a marvelous trade! What a glorious Savior!
Life application: The Bible is God’s word in a physical, tangible form which has been given to us to search out His will and intent for us. Pick it up, read it, and be built up in your faith and in your security. A security found in Jesus Christ the Lord!
The sun rises and the sun sets. Each day is a gift of Your grace and I have been kept here for Your purposes. Lord God, help me to use my time properly and not to squander it on that which is vain or useless. Instead, give me the wisdom to pursue You and Your glory with each new day and to live, filled with Your Spirit in every unfolding moment. Amen.