Romans 5:18-19
So then, just as one trespass led to a verdict of condemnation for all people, so also one righteous verdict led to life-giving justification for all people. For just as through the disobedience of one man the many became sinners, so also through the obedience of one man the many will become righteous.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the love You have given us. According to this passage from Paul, Adam’s sin has led everyone to be under the curse and condemnation of sin. No one is innocent except Your Son. We don’t start good and then work our way to being corrupt because we are all sinful. Many will hear this and push back, questioning if You were a gracious God, why You would allow this, yet sin did not come from You. We sin in our words and actions, and Jesus told us even our thoughts convict us.
However, You do not leave us to fend for ourselves in this state. You sent Your holy and innocent Son to suffer the condemnation and punishment that should have been ours. The salvation Jesus won for us comes through faith; the Holy Spirit uses Word and sacrament to begin to believe and sustain faith in us that we trust in Jesus. There, we have the forgiveness of sins, which restores us to You. So that by one man’s obedience, we have eternal life and salvation.
Lord, thank You for not leaving us condemned in our sins and iniquities; let our reaction to Your love for us be love in return. Grant us opportunities to tell others about the One’s obedience, how Jesus suffered and died for all people’s sins so that by faith in Him, they will no longer be condemned but have eternal life. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Throughout God’s Word, He reminds us of our sinful nature and how we miss the mark of loving perfectly. Salvation comes not from our actions but from Jesus’ holy life and innocent death. We are covered in His perfection, and our sins are removed; by faith in Him, we are saved.