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 become corrupt; we are all sinful from the beginning. Many will hear this and push back, questioning why, if you are a gracious God, you would allow this. Yet, sin did not originate from you. We sin in our words and actions, and Jesus told us that even our thoughts convict us.
However, You do not abandon us to fend for ourselves in this state. You sent Your holy and innocent Son to endure the condemnation and punishment that should have been ours. The salvation Jesus won for us comes through faith; the Holy Spirit uses the Word and sacraments to initiate and sustain our faith in Jesus. In Him, we find the forgiveness of sins, which restores us to You, so that through one man’s obedience, we receive eternal life and salvation.
Lord, thank You for not leaving us condemned in our sins and iniquities. May our response to Your love be love in return. Grant us opportunities to share the story of Your Son’s obedience, how Jesus suffered and died for the sins of all people so that, through faith in Him, they will no longer be condemned but will have eternal life. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Throughout His Word, God reminds us of our sinful nature and how we miss the mark of perfect love. 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.