Romans 5:15-17 In Christ, we go from slave to son, prisoner to ruler, and last to first
Romans 5:15-17 In Christ, we go from slave to son, prisoner to ruler, and last to first
15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. 16 The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. 17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Background
The gift of God is made available to all regardless of their racial, religious or moral backgrounds. The gift of God exonerates the sinner causing him to seat with Christ and share His glory. The gift of God releases the sinner from slavery and gives him the authority to rule with Christ. In the last days, many will be surprised by the righteous judgment of God. Today’s devotion teaches us: In Christ, we go from slave to son, prisoner to ruler, and last to first.
Observation
15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.
When Scripture says that “the free gift is not like the transgression” (Romans 5:15), it means that the gift of God’s grace is fundamentally different from Adam’s transgression. Adam’s sin brought sin, death, and a cascading effect that spread through humanity, yet this devastation can be reversed. How? By the gift of grace. Once God imparts His gift of grace and righteousness to a repentant heart, it cannot be undone, for it is preserved by the power of God (see Romans 8:38-39). Those who were spiritually dead, corrupted by the human ego inherited from Adam’s transgression, can be made alive in Christ and receive eternal life. Conversely, those who have truly received God’s grace and transformed cannot return to their former state of sin and death.
16 The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.
This verse builds on the previous one, showing that the power of God’s grace to save surpasses the condemnation caused by even multiple transgressions. Through the transgression of one—Adam—humanity has continuously indulged in mindless and unrestrained sin, with each subsequent act of disobedience plunging individuals deeper into seemingly irreparable hopelessness and condemnation. Yet the grace of God, despite the multitude of sins and their corresponding judgments, is able to restore humanity to a state of perfect righteousness.
Judgment takes account of every transgression and metes out punishment accordingly, plunging one into an ever-deepening state of condemnation. In contrast, the gift of God’s grace makes no record of humanity’s many sins and exonerates us from condemnation, no matter how deeply one has fallen. Furthermore, those who truly believe are lifted up and predestined to sit with Christ in the heavenlies—this is justification. To be justified is to share in Christ’s glory. A classic example is the repentant thief who was condemned on the cross alongside Jesus. Because of his confession and repentance, the multitude of transgressions against him were erased, and he was freed from condemnation, receiving the hope of salvation and the promise of eternal life.
17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
This verse builds on the previous one, this time elaborating on what it means to reign in life through Jesus Christ.
By the transgression of one, many are condemned as slaves of the devil without hope of attaining the resurrection life. But the gift frees one from the prison of the devil. Not only that, the gift grants Christ’s glory to those who believe, raising them up to reign with Him. A classic example is Mary Magdalene, who was possessed by seven demons. She went from demoniac to become an apostle. The early church called Mary Magdalene the Apostle of apostles. For Christ first appeared to Mary in His resurrection body and sent her to tell the apostles of His resurrection (see John 20:18).
Truth
In Christ, we go from slave to son, prisoner to ruler, and last to first.
The world gives preference to those who are rich, beautiful and well connected. But those who are weak, messed up and impoverished are abandoned. It is not uncommon that such come from broken homes, saddled with debts and countless problems. Even as the world deems them as irreparable, there is no mess the gift of God cannot fix. All who come to God will be given the gift of a second chance. And the gift of God restores them and causes them to go from last to first.
The world welcomes those who have noble backgrounds while despising those who have a criminal history. But the gift of God does not look at a man’s past, but his future potential. There is no sin that God cannot forgive. And God can turn a person into His likeness no matter how dark his past may be. Indeed, the gift of God can transform a prisoner into a ruler.
The world grants authority to those who are strong while shunning those who are weak. But the gift of God is not biased towards those who are more talented. While the world looks at a man’s appearance and abilities, God grants authority according to the posture of one’s heart. Therefore, there is no one too little or unworthy that God cannot use. As long as he is willing, God adopts him as His son and uses him powerfully.
In the last days, many will be surprised by the righteous judgment of God. The gift of God will cause many who are last to become first. And those who are slaves in the eyes of the world will become sons of God. Those who follow Christ by obeying His directives will become rulers in the kingdom.
Application
Are you often unjustly treated? Are you often bypassed in your company’s promotion exercise? Do you see yourself as less capable than your colleagues? Continue to follow Jesus and observe how He dealt with people. As you purify your heart, Jesus predestines you for great things. As you converse with Jesus continually, He gives you divine wisdom and authority to rise above your circumstances. And you will be an invaluable contributor to your company and community.
Dear Lord, thank you for seeing me as important, and for predestining me for great things. I will not focus on my own weaknesses. But I will fix my eyes on your gift, the gift of the Holy Spirit. Cause me to rise above my circumstances with divine wisdom and authority. And I will prosper in all my endeavours. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.