Romans 5:18-21 (NRSV)
Read Romans 5:18-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 18Therefore just as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. Verse 19For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Verse 20But law came in, with the result that the trespass multiplied; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, Verse 21so that, just as sin exercised dominion in death, so grace might also exercise dominion through justification leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Devotion
I remember when I first grasped the concept of grace. It was during an independent study confirmation lesson. I was a gawky, self-conscious teen; grace of the physical kind was not anything I possessed. Yet here I was, handed this perfect gift of grace that I could do nothing to warrant. I still recall the feelings of disbelief, joy and, yes, I admit, even relief, that washed over me. May I never forget that moment. May we all feel the full impact of Christ’s amazing gift!
Prayer
Giving and forgiving Savior, we are so grateful for your gift of grace. We are stunned and humbled and joyful. Help us share this feeling of unfailing love with others. Amen.