And The Victory Goes to......Christ!

Read Romans 5:12-21
Theme: Salvation available to all by faith.
Title in NIV: Adam brings death; Christ brings life.

Looking at this passage I have 'gift' circled five time. What is a gift? Webster says it is something given to show friendship, affection or support etc. We also think of a gift as free to the person we give it to. A gift has no strings attached, that would be a bribe. When we give a gift we don't/shouldn't expect anything in return. Jesus has given us the gift of salvation, justification, redemption, righteousness. He does not make us take the gift...that is our choice. But, he holds it out for us daily. We need to see what we are in for if we do not take the gift, receive the gift and claim the gift as our own.

We are in for everything Adam brought if we do not claim Jesus Christ and receive everything he brings with him. This passage has many compare/contrast points. Compare what Adam did and what that result was VS. what Christ did and what that result was.

It only took one sin, that very first one in the garden, to bring judgement. But, the gift of Jesus Christ overflows to the many and brings justification. All have died (sinned) because of Adam's sin. But, all have been given grace by the gift of Jesus Christ. Death reigned through Adam's sin. But those who receive God' abundant provision of grace through Jesus Christ will reign in life. So, condemnation was the result of Adam's sin to all men. But, righteousness is the result of Jesus' act and brings life to all men. Through disobedience of one man, many were made sinners. Through obedience of Jesus many were made righteous. Sin reigns in death, but grace reigns for all those who appear righteous through Jesus Christ.

Let's see: Adam brought judgment, death, condemnation, disobedience through his sin. Vs. Christ brought justification, grace, abundant provision, life, righteousness and obedience. I know which one sounds better to me. We cannot get away from the sin that Adam brought into the world, but we can erase the consequences of it from our lives if we accept the gift Jesus is giving.

This one is short this week, but packed with great stuff. We need to think about times when we exchange Christ's gift for Adam's gift in our lives. What things do you participate in that bring death to part of the Spirit that is in you?

Blessings til next time!!