Romans 5:12–19 (NRSV)
Read Romans 5:12–19 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. 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.
Devotion
Sin entered the world like a constant that always led to loss: sin minus the law brought death, and sin plus the law still resulted in death. But in Christ, the equation changes forever. Jesus steps into the center of our brokenness and becomes the One who overturns sin’s power, replacing death with abundant life. Through his redeeming sacrifice, we are not only forgiven—we are lifted to the place of God’s beloved children, invited to reign with a dignity we did not earn but freely received.
I know what it means to be rescued from the edge of hopelessness into the fullness of life. If you find yourself at rock bottom this Lenten season, Christ is inviting you into that same transformation. Where sin condemns and destroys, Jesus restores and gives life in overflowing abundance. In him, death is defeated, and a new kingdom reality begins even now.
Prayer
Gracious Redeemer, lift us from the weight of our sin into the freedom of your grace. Where death once ruled, let your life overflow in us. Heal what is broken, restore what is lost, and lead us into the abundance only you can give. Hold close all who feel unworthy today, and let your hope rise within them. Amen.
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