Numbers 15-17, Psalm 54, Matthew 23:13-24, Romans 5:12-21

Romans 5:12-21:

A good summary of this complicated section of Scripture can be found towards the end of this section:

“just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (5:21).

When we become a Christian, we move realms. We move from the reign of the rule of sin and death to the reign of the rule of grace and life. The implications of this wondrous truth are many.

Here are three theological ramifications followed by three practical action steps:

First, do not underestimate the reality of sin. Almost all theologies have their root in a downplaying of the seriousness of sin. Sin is not merely a moral mistake; it is a fundamental rule that overshadows the whole human race outside of Christ. We need a radical view of sin that we might receive a radical redemption of grace.

Second, do not underestimate the redemptive work of grace. Grace is not merely an essence or partial experience or a nice feeling; grace is the power of God to move us from realm to another. We are now established by God in this realm of grace.

Third, ensure the centrality of Christ. In our churches, in our lives, this rule of grace is all “through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Christ must take central place in practice, for he takes central place in our real salvation and redemption.

Then three practical action steps:

First, give thanks to Christ! If we are under the rule of grace, how much we have for which we can give thanks to Christ!

Second, proclaim Christ! Let us not be silent about so great a salvation. Let us do what we can to move forward the message of the gospel and let other people know about this amazing salvation!

Third, obey Christ! As Christians, we now live under the rule of grace. This grace means then that we have someone to obey for we have a new master to follow. Let us therefore put into practice our obedience to Christ through the ways we think of our money, our time, our friendships, our attitudes and our actions!