September 2, 2022 - Romans 5-8

“For just as through one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. The law came along to multiply the trespass. But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace will reign through righteousness, resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (5:19-21).

The “reign of grace.” Just thinking about all that means. Because of grace, no matter how much we sin (not to give license for sinning; 6:1), God’s grace is greater than our sin. Even though sinners, because of grace we are called saints and children of God. Because of grace we are no longer slaves to sin, but servants of God: “For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace” (6:14). Because of grace we do not fear death. Because of grace we are assured of eternal life. Because of grace there is no condemnation for us. Because of grace we have a new mindset. Because of grace we cry out, “Abba, Father!” (8:15) Because of grace our groans will be turned to glory. Because of grace nothing and no one can separate us from the love of Christ. Wow! And wow! And wow, again!

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!

Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin! --Julia H. Johnston (1910)