Romans 5:12-17 (NRSV)
Read Romans 5:12-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned- Verse 13sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Verse 14Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. Verse 15But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. Verse 16And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. Verse 17If, because of the one man's trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
Devotion
“Pledge now and receive a free gift!” If you are a public radio or television devotee, these words are very familiar. Those who pledge are rewarded for their generosity. There is nothing we can give that can ever make up for the death of Jesus Christ. And yet this sacrifice was offered to us to wipe away our sins, no questions asked. This is no Christian pledge drive premium. We simply believe, and receive.
Prayer
Reconciling Savior, we come to you unworthy of the death you endured for our sake, yet full of wonder at your healing, miraculous gift of grace. Teach us to spread the good news of this great joy! Amen.