“But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”
(Romans 5:15-17)
Today marks the exact mid-point of the season of Lent.
So far, it has been a time of reflection and introspection for us as we look at our true state of weakness and helplessness. As the Spirit and the word shines light on our sins, we are led to repentance and a deeper faith and trust in God.
Yet the second half of Lent shifts our focus from ourselves to God! It lifts our eyes off our abject state to wonderful grace provided for us by our Saviour Jesus Christ!
Here the Apostle Paul tries his best to describe God’s gift of salvation to us – it is so much greater in power, scope and effectiveness than our sins!
Sin is like a young child pouring his breakfast cereal and milk on the carpet floor. All it takes is just one careless (or naughty!) action of toppling the bowl and the carpetry is ruined.
But God’s grace is so much greater. It is like the parent who now goes and removes every bit and trace of food from the carpet through vaccuming or cleaning. The effort expended is so much more than just dirtying the carpet… but the carpet is made even cleaner and fresher than before!
So it is with God’s gift of salvation through Christ. It is much greater than the sins we commit. And it is also so much more effective in its power to save. It cleanses us thoroughly and transforms us into a brand new creation after Christ’s likeness.
Let us be so thankful and trust in his saving power today!
Have a blessed day🙏