Devotion #4: The Power of the One

“But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:15–17 

Sometimes, things just come down to life and death. Ever since the fall of Adam in Genesis chapter 3, life and death have been our reality. In the beginning, God gave us life and not just life, but we were given His very breath. We were made in His very image. However, through Adam, this life was corrupted, and the sin of man was passed down to all humanity. This stain of sin was now on the eternal souls of all humanity. So, we see through one man that we all have been affected.  

I am sure no matter who you are, where you live, or what you believe, you understand that our actions rarely only affect our lives. Almost always without fail, our actions and choices have an impact on the lives of those around us, especially our family, children, and grandchildren. We have an impact, and we see the effects of those before us on our lives. Think of the best men and women in history, and even think of the worst; both have a great impact on the lives of future generations. 

However, there was one man who had an impact not just on those who came after Him but also on those who came before His birth. Jesus came. He lived, was tempted, yet was without sin, and died on the cross for the sins of the world. His death was not for one man or woman or for all who came after Him, but it was for all humanity across all time. His death affected all who would believe across all human history and gave an opportunity for salvation to all men and women. With this truth, we see that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus were much more powerful than Adam’s trespass.  

Because of this, we have been given a gift of grace, righteousness, and life. Our sins are forgiven, and we are given what we do not deserve because of what Christ did. We receive His righteousness as a gift so that we can become holy as He is holy. We, as Christians, are no longer slaves to death and sin, but we are free to have life, eternally, with Christ. In addition, we have an opportunity to make an impact in our lives. In conclusion, consider these questions: 

1. Do I live as a child of God or as a son of Adam?  

The point is, do you live as though you have grace, or do you live as someone who is graceless? Do you live in the reality of what Christ has done, or are you still living in slavery to sin? 

2. Knowing that you have received this gift and that you are a child of God, are you motivated to share the Gospel with others? 

3. What are some practical ways that you can share this wonderful truth with people in your life?