Word@Work Romans47 - Romans 5:18-19
Published: Thu, 10/20/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
FROM CONDEMNATION TO JUSTIFICATION
Romans 5:18-19 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. (NIV)
It sounds terrible, and it is terrible: the sin of one person has resulted in everybody being condemned. The good news is that Jesus Christ accepted all of God's condemnation against every person in the world (and at every point in time). Therefore it is possible for anybody to be released from their guilt because Jesus has been punished instead of us.
Of course, the sin of Adam and Eve has spread through all humanity. We are not condemned for their sins but for ours; every one of us practises disobedience and sin for which we all deserve judgement. However, God, the judge, has the right to pardon all those who accept that the sacrifice of Jesus was for them.
More than that, we are not just spared punishment, but we are declared righteous. In other words, in Christ we are considered to be as holy as He is. This idea is staggering to us. When we look at ourselves, we cannot see holiness; we grieve over our sin and we feel unworthy. But when God looks at us, He does not see our sin because Jesus has taken it away ... all He sees is the righteousness of Christ.
How much we need to realise this truth! The world, the flesh and the devil may all remind us of our worthlessness; but these verses assure us that, by faith, condemnation has been replaced by justification and disobedience has been replaced by righteousness. That is the truth in which we need to live. That is the truth which will refute the devil's lies and our own internal doubting. So, today, give thanks and go out in the confidence that you are totally accepted by God.
Prayer: Almighty and most merciful God. Thank You for removing my sins when I trusted in the sacrifice of Jesus, and replacing them with His righteousness. I am in awe at the magnitude of Your grace. Forgive me for so much doubt and self despair, because I have forgotten that You have declared me to be 'in the right' and holy, because of Jesus. Help me to live in that truth, and resist the lies of Satan who wants me to be defeated all my life. May I rejoice in my salvation and announce Christ to my friends and colleagues. In His Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
It sounds terrible, and it is terrible: the sin of one person has resulted in everybody being condemned. The good news is that Jesus Christ accepted all of God's condemnation against every person in the world (and at every point in time). Therefore it is possible for anybody to be released from their guilt because Jesus has been punished instead of us.
Of course, the sin of Adam and Eve has spread through all humanity. We are not condemned for their sins but for ours; every one of us practises disobedience and sin for which we all deserve judgement. However, God, the judge, has the right to pardon all those who accept that the sacrifice of Jesus was for them.
More than that, we are not just spared punishment, but we are declared righteous. In other words, in Christ we are considered to be as holy as He is. This idea is staggering to us. When we look at ourselves, we cannot see holiness; we grieve over our sin and we feel unworthy. But when God looks at us, He does not see our sin because Jesus has taken it away ... all He sees is the righteousness of Christ.
How much we need to realise this truth! The world, the flesh and the devil may all remind us of our worthlessness; but these verses assure us that, by faith, condemnation has been replaced by justification and disobedience has been replaced by righteousness. That is the truth in which we need to live. That is the truth which will refute the devil's lies and our own internal doubting. So, today, give thanks and go out in the confidence that you are totally accepted by God.
Prayer: Almighty and most merciful God. Thank You for removing my sins when I trusted in the sacrifice of Jesus, and replacing them with His righteousness. I am in awe at the magnitude of Your grace. Forgive me for so much doubt and self despair, because I have forgotten that You have declared me to be 'in the right' and holy, because of Jesus. Help me to live in that truth, and resist the lies of Satan who wants me to be defeated all my life. May I rejoice in my salvation and announce Christ to my friends and colleagues. In His Name. Amen.
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