This month I've been working through a Bible study on grace from www.biblejournallove.com. If you visit the website there is a nice printable calendar with weekly chapters to read and daily verses to study out based on a theme from the Bible.
Romans 5:18-21 is one of the passages listed and it was interesting to see the comparisons and contrasts presented to explain the wonders of God's grace.
One man, Adam, brought judgment on us all.18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
One man, Jesus, brought justification to us all.
The free gift, salvation, is offered to all. Justification of life.
By one man's disobedience many were made sinners. But by one man's obedience many are made righteous.
When the law was given sin abounded; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more!
When sin is ruling our lives it leads to death; but grace triumphs over death and brings eternal life, through the righteousness of Jesus!
Like the hymn says...
1. Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
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!
2. Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss;
grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
3. Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
brighter than snow you may be today.
4. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see his face,
will you this moment his grace receive?
Be blessed today!
Casandra
