Monday, November 29
Standing in grace
Scripture: Job 34-35, Psalm 138, Romans 5
Romans 5:1–2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Observation
Romans 5 is rich! It is a soaring tribute to God’s grace “in which we now stand.” Here I stand—not in my own goodness, but in His grace which is greater by far.
This grace was expressed in Christ’s death “for the ungodly” (v. 6) and “for sinners” (v. 8). It’s rare for someone to die for a good person (v. 7), but God showed His love for us (and His grace) by dying for the ungodly and sinners, for rebels like us.
This grace is greater than our sin. Paul contrasts Adam and Jesus, specifically Adam’s sin that plunged the whole race into rebellion and death and Jesus’ obedience and grace that lifted us all up to life. The trespass and the gift. One man’s sin resulted in death for all; one man’s obedience resulted in life for all. Twice (v. 15, 17) Paul uses the phrase “how much more” to describe the greater power of grace over sin. “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”
Application
What shall we do?
Today, I will “boast in God” (v. 11). Rather than boasting (bragging, rejoicing, exulting) in my accomplishments, I will boast in His—in His grace and love and goodness. I made the mess; He cleaned it up. I rebelled; He reconciled me. I was part of the trespass; He supplied the gift. I stand in this grace!
Today, I will “reign in life through Jesus” (v. 17). Rather than being ruled by sin and death, I will by the grace of God rule in life. Rather than living under the circumstances, I will live above them. Rather than being ruled by the negativity of our world, I will stand in the grace of God and boast of His goodness.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for Your grace and Your love. Help me today to stand in that grace and reign in life with You.