Scripture: “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 5:21
Observation: This chapter of Romans explains the reason for Jesus coming to mankind. It details the sinful state in which we exist and the hope that we gain through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Application: As the Christmas season moves toward its conclusion, it is important to remember that the birth of Jesus is just the beginning of the story of God’s amazing grace. This first chapter of this divine story details the circumstances surrounding the virgin birth and the glorious revelation by the angels of the coming of humanity’s Saviour.
The second part of this story provides many incredible highlights of the life and ministry of Jesus. In the Scriptures, we read of how He lived without sin, how He revealed Himself through His miracles and teachings, how He loved everyone unconditionally regardless of social status, religious affiliations, personal wealth, intellect or power. He was the personification of God… the Word made flesh as it states in John 1:14. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
The third part of the story focuses on the death, burial, and glorious resurrection of Jesus! This is the gospel, and it is wherein our hope lies! Paul summarizes this in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
Jesus was born to die as Matthew 20:28 states, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” The destiny of God’s precious Son took Him from the manger to the cross to the empty tomb and provided the gift of salvation to anyone who chooses to believe and accept Jesus as their personal Saviour! He made a way for you and me to be saved from our sins… to be “born again” into His family! Accepting Christ as one’s Saviour is the only way to be forgiven and reconciled to God.
As you reflect on Christmas, remember it’s not just history, but it is the first chapter of HIS story, and the rest is yet to come! By the way, I’ve read the last chapter, and the ending is absolutely amazing!
Prayer: O Father in heaven, Almighty God, Creator of the universe and all that is therein, Sustainer of all life, I praise Your name! Your mercy truly endures forever, and Your love is everlasting! I love Your Word and its promises! You are my hope, and I rejoice in God, my Saviour! Thank You for Christmas and what it means to me, my family, and so many others! You came to redeem Your people and save us all from our sins! Such love is unfathomable! Thank You so very much for Your goodness to me, Your mercy to me, and Your gift of salvation through Your precious Son. I know I am so unworthy… simply a sinner saved by Your amazing grace, and for that, I am eternally thankful, now and forever. In Jesus’ most holy precious name, I pray. Amen.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, than when we first begun.
(from “Amazing Grace” by John Newton)
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“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” – Romans 5:10