Romans 5:18
"Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone."(NLT)
In every job, organization, or business there are rules, policies and procedures developed as a guideline to help make right choices in any given situation. Many times, policies are created because of "The One Act" that had an overall negative impact on the workings of society. Many years ago while traveling, you were allowed to go through security with an unlimited amount of liquids in a carry-on bag. If you traveled prior to September 2001 this is an example I am sure you can relate to. However, due to “The One Act” of individuals who intentionally endangered the lives of many, new policies were established to limit the amount of liquids you can travel with.
At times we might get frustrated, have limited patience, become anxious or even get upset at a specific rule given by man. Before laws and consequences of breaking laws were established, the Bible stated that "Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned...But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break" (Romans 5:12-13,NLT). However, the Lord knew we would fall short of His Glory as humans so He created a loophole that would save us from the sins we were born into and would commit.
Jesus Christ, who came robed in flesh, died and was raised for you and me knew all about our human nature. John 2:24-25 tells us, "Jesus didn't trust them because He knew all about the people. No one needed to tell Him about our human nature, for He knew what was in each person's heart." We have a hope that despite our human nature, Jesus' nature never changes; for His everlasting love, mercy and grace is ever abounding. So thanks be to God that His light came into a world of darkness, because it is written that although His light came into the world, the people loved the darkness more than the light for their actions were evil (John 3:19).
If you should take the time to read the entire chapter of Romans 5, Paul continues in the next chapter to say, "What shall we say (to all this)? Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow? Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?"(Romans 6:1-2 AMPC). As believers, the Lord expects us to strive to have a change of lifestyle, mindset, and behavior. If we were baptized in His name, the old sinful nature is buried, and we are united with Christ in His death, and raised to a new life.
How can we continue this journey of living a changed life?
I remember speaking with Minister Campbell, a wise woman of God, who took the time to encourage others. She taught from the Word of God. Minister Campbell stated that "true repentance was more than talk, it was a change of behavior." She quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." Now that’s a Word!
When we take action according to His written Word we can expect the Lord to respond with open arms. Let us be encouraged, with gratitude for "The One Act" paid in full for our sins. For although we were sinners He loved us so much that He came to die for all of us to receive a gift so precious Eternal Life.
Please take the time to read the scriptures throughout.
HAPPY NEW YEAR !
"The Lord bless thee and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace"
Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)
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