August 5, 2001

GRACE REIGNS

Romans 5:21

   "For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression..." (Romans 5:13-14). "Dying thou shalt die" were the literal words of God to Adam. Thus began the reign of sin and death.

   Paul reasoned that God's free gift through Christ will parallel Adam's sin. That is, the action of one will have a far reaching effect on others. He continued, "if through the offence of one [Adam]...many be dead," Paul concluded that by one, Jesus Christ, God's free gift by grace will abound unto many." He added, "if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which received abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ" (5:17). And how is this "gift of righteousness" received? By faith! When we believe God's message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, God imputes the righteousness of Christ to the believing sinner's account, the gift of righteousness!

   The offence of Adam brought all men to judgment, but the righteousness of Christ and the free gift by grace brings all who believe the gospel unto justification of life. What a contrast: "offence to judgment" and "righteousness to justification of life!"

   Before Moses, "there was no law." But through Moses the law entered in order that the "offence might abound." Think of that, an abounding offence! And again, "by the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful." The law actually made a bad situation even worse! But how much more blessed is the over abounding grace, for "where sin abounded," and it did, "grace did much more abound: that as sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (5:20-21).

   Death reigned beginning with Adam's sin. Moses' law pointed out the awfulness of sin and it became transgression. But only the gift of righteousness reigning in life by Jesus Christ could remedy this great need! Now during God's administration of grace, grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life. Thank God for His gift of grace!

Ivan L. Burgener