September 30, 2023 - 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), 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 slaves 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!

Wonderful grace of Jesus,

greater than all my sin;

how shall my tongue describe it,

where shall its praise begin?

Taking away my burden,

setting my spirit free,

for the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,

deeper than the mighty rolling sea,

higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,

all sufficient grace for even me;

broader than the scope of my transgressions, sing it!

greater far than all my sin and shame.

O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise his name! --Haldor Lillenas (1918)