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.

Beginning with one, death spreads exponentially by way of procreation. Transgression, like viruses and diseases, is always transmitted through the physical medium. However, the propagation of grace, unlike the propagation of death is transmitted through the spirit. Because transmission of grace through the spirit is not constraint by space and time, the spread of grace is infinitely faster and wider than the spread of transgression. Thus, grace reaches out to every single human being all at once. Those who seek the truth (regardless of their religious background) can call on God and be exonerated from eternal condemnation. Through the gift of God, entire tribes and nations (past, present, and future) can be saved all at once. After Jesus resurrected, He went to preach to the souls imprisoned because of disobedience in Noah’s days (see 1 Peter 3:19). Another classic example of the power of grace is the repentance of Nineveh that averted the calamity in less than 40 days.

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.

By the transgression of one, humanity was irreparably condemned, buried in sin and death. Judgment takes account of every transgression and metes out punishment accordingly. But the gift makes no record of man’s many transgressions and exonerates us from condemnation. Not only that, those who truly believe are lifted up and predestined to seat with Christ in the heavenlies (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 to his name were erased, and he was given a place in paradise.

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. 

By the transgression of one, many are condemned as slaves of the devil without hope of attaining the resurrection life. But the gift breaks the curse of slavery freeing him from the prison of the devil. Not only that, the gift imparts Christ’s authority 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.