Romans 5:18-21
Scripture: Romans 5:18-21 (ESV)
“Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Devotion:
Ever found yourself in a situation where you know you’ve made a mistake that seems too big to fix? That’s a bit like the situation humanity found itself in after Adam’s sin in the Garden. Adam’s choice brought sin and its consequences into the world, affecting everyone after him. But here’s where the story takes a surprising turn: just as one act brought downfall, one act of incredible obedience and love brings hope and restoration.
Enter Jesus. His life, death, and resurrection undoes Adam’s sin. Where Adam’s choice brought condemnation, Jesus’ sacrifice opens the door to forgiveness and new life. For everyone who believes in and trusts in Jesus, Adam’s sin no longer counts. We are transferred out of the line of Adam, and into the line of Jesus. Instead of having Adam as our ultimate dad, we get Jesus as our new family head.
Instead of inheriting sin, we inherit sonship and daughtership to the father. This is why we talk about being adopted into God’s family. Because as believers, we were adopted! You no longer belong to the line of Adam, you belong to the line of Christ.
Jesus’ love and grace overwhelms the sin that was ours, and now that we have been washed clean, we get to live like people who are washed clean.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I’m often overwhelmed by my mistakes and the ways I fall short. But Your Word reminds me that where my sin abounds, Your grace overflows even more. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, whose obedience has brought me life and righteousness. Help me to live in the light of this grace, not as a license to sin, but as a powerful motivation to live a life that reflects Your love and goodness. Amen.
Challenge for the day:
Today, identify one area of your life where you’ve felt condemned or trapped by past mistakes. Reflect on how Jesus’ sacrifice has freed you from that condemnation. Then, as a practical step, reach out with an act of kindness or forgiveness, whether it’s forgiving someone else or asking for forgiveness. Let grace reign in your interactions, just as it reigns in your life through Christ.