The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21
God reveals himself in the Old Testament as a God of grace and mercy who shows love to His people, not because they deserve it, but because of His own desire to have a personal relationship with His people. He is faithful to the promises He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Justice is described as getting the punishment we deserve. Mercy is described as God sparing us form the consequences, shame, and judgment we deserve. Grace is described as God granting us favor and benefits we do not deserve.
When we are sinners, we are separated from God. When we look at His law, it may seem like we are climbing up a ladder to get to God. Yet, we feel like we never achieving the goal of reaching him. Each time we move up, we make a mistake or wrongdoing, and we fall back to the ground. How discouraging is that? This was never God’s plan for us. He so desires to have a close relationship with us.
As this verse says though, where sin increased, grace abounds all the more. We don’t have to work for it. God gives it to us freely all because of His Son Jesus. Through Jesus, grace reign through righteousness. Jesus is the only way to God. There is no other way. Jesus lifts us up and over the law. Through our Triune God’s love we are free to be obedient, not out of necessity. We will have God’s power to keep going up. As we grow in faith and trust, we know that when we stumble, He is there to catch us and helps us to keep going. He keeps loving us.
We have a choice to accept God’s grace or not too. What will be your choice?
No one can make you take God’s offer of grace. It is yours and only your choice. You have to truly repent and believe that Jesus is your Messiah. With that, God’ offers abounding grace.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you so much for you unconditional love. Thank you for your abundant amount of grace. Thank you for catching us when we fall. I pray that we will understand you grace and our choice to follow you.
In Jesus name
Amen
