Romans 5:12-21
Reflect
As we continue to journey through Romans and Paul’s explanation of God’s gift of salvation, we arrive today at the amazing truth that God’s grace is more than enough to provide forgiveness, no matter how deep our sin. This passage speaks of how we have all participated in Adam’s sin. We all stand guilty before God. The giving of the Law simply showed how far we’ve strayed from the good design of life intended by our Creator. We would have no hope except for Christ. Where Adam represents our sin, Christ represents and provides our forgiveness (v17).
We saw in yesterday’s passage that this provision came as a result of Christ’s death for us (Romans 5:8). That act of love and grace overcomes the power of sin and makes possible a life lived in the freedom of forgiveness. Grace overcomes our sin! We don’t earn this. In fact, we can’t earn this. We simply “receive God’s abundant provision of grace” (v17) and the new life it affords. The notes in the Life Application Study Bible state it well, “Once Jesus lifts you into God’s presence, you are free to obey – out of love, not necessity, and through God’s power, not your own.”
Apply
Have you received the gift of God’s grace? If so, are you experiencing the new life empowered by this grace? Thank God today for grace that overcomes your sin. If you are struggling in a particular area, ask God for His grace and strength to obey.
Pastor Lyle
- Pray for our Audio/Visual Director, Grant Mix.
- Pray for our College & Career interns, Kiersten Moline and Alyssa Schroth. Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for Pastor Dan, our Lead Team Pastor and his family. Pray for his intern, David Unsworth.
- Pray for the continuing ministry of International Student Ministries.