Abundant Grace
God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as
people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.
Romans 5:20 NLT
Adam’s ONE sin resulted in condemnation for all, whereas Christ’s ONE act of righteousness resulted in righteousness for all via faith. As a result of being born with Adam’s sin, we became sinners by association with him. In contrast, our rebirth via faith identifies us with Christ’s righteousness, and as a result, we have become righteous by association with Christ. Because of Christ, God has pronounced us to be righteous. How awesome!!!
Even though we all became sinners because of the single sin of one man, we all have the opportunity to become righteous because of the single sacrifice of One Man – Jesus Christ the righteous – and anyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. “Because God so loved the world, He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
So WHY did God issue the Law more than two thousand years after Adam’s sin? The Law was introduced so that transgression would increase. The Law was provided for fallen man to recognize his sin. The Law was God’s standard of righteousness, which we were incapable of attaining, but after it was given, it revealed the extent of our horrible guilt. As a result of receiving the Law, man began to recognize his great need for a Savior.
Paul, for instance, would not have recognized covetousness as a sin if it had not been stated in the Law. Without understanding God’s standard, we could not compare ourselves to God’s flawless holiness standard. The more we identify our faults and weaknesses, the more the Law is performing its planned duty, which is to cause each of us to recognize that we are sinners so that we will cry out to Christ for salvation, knowing that He paid the price for our sin – which is DEATH.
But when sin increased (through the giving of the Law), grace increased exponentially more (through faith in the sacrifice of Christ). Once we acknowledge that we are sinners, we begin to comprehend the awe-inspiring love of God, the forgiveness of sins, and His abundant grace, which are ours through trust in the atoning death and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Once sin is exposed in our lives, God’s grace and the redemption we get through faith become more valuable. When we recognize the magnitude of our sin, God’s grace and unmerited favor become abundantly apparent. But His grace continues to be bestowed onto a race of sinners. Grace upon grace is bestowed upon everyone who, through faith in Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary, is not only pardoned of their sins but also declared righteous before a holy God. Glory to His holy name!
Reflect
God does not want you to live a sin-conscious life. Instead, He wants you to dwell on the finished work of the cross and the grace made available to you. How is abundant grace working in your life?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, the more I recognize how often I miss the mark, the more I understand the incredible grace being poured on me and all humanity. Thank You for Your amazing grace that has been bestowed on me – and on all who have trusted Christ for salvation, for the forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting. Thank You in Jesus’ name.
Upcoming Connect 21 Events
- Wednesday Zoom (Jan 18th @ 7pm via Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Prayer (Jan 21st @ Latimer Hall – The Way United Methodist Church)
- Sunday Morning Service (Jan 22nd @ 10 am at River Ridge High School)