ROMANS 5:15-19 ABUNDANCE OF GRACE There is no question that because of Adam's trespass death has been passed on to all of the human race. The evidence is seen in our hospitals, funeral parlors and cemeteries. No one can avoid that appointment. So one man brought death. Because of that one man's act, judgment and condemnation not only came on him, but on all men because of that sinful nature and accompanying guilt we have inherited. By that one man's offense or trespass, death has reigned as king over every person in every part of the world. By the act of Adam's self-will and disobedience, every human being is born a sinner. Of that fact there is no doubt. There is nothing we can do to preserve our children from that sinful nature they have inherited through us.
But standing out in its gleaming glory against such a black background, is the "abundant grace" and the "gift of righteousness" in beautiful evidence in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Far greater in importance than the fact of our condemnation is the grace of God and the righteousness gifted to those who believe on the Lord Jesus because of that grace extended to us. From one sinful act, there came judgment on us all. But now, from one righteous act in which many trespasses were laid on Christ, there comes justification for all those who will receive that abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness.
When we receive the "abundance of grace" we experience the blessing of all the claims of God against us being met by Christ on the cross. Now God acts toward us in grace that abounds to sinners because of His inherent love. From His great heart of love comes this gracious kindness and we give Him honor and glory because of that abundance of grace.
The "gift of righteousness" that comes from God apart from any works of man, whether it be ordinances, attempts at law-keeping or any worth that we think we have, comes from God Himself. This is truly a gift of the greatest importance which we were so unworthy of. This opens up a whole new life of liberty to one who is experiencing the blessings of the abundance of grace. When we have received such a gift of righteousness and believe in the Person who gave it to us, we rejoice in that without fear of having it taken away or lost by some act we might do. No longer does death reign as king over the once condemned man. Now we reign as kings in life through the One who brought this abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness to us - our Lord Jesus Christ. We do not have to wait for a future day because this day of righteousness has already begun for the children of God, the "children of the King." It is a fact that we are sons and daughters in the kingdom of God now, and we will be forever through the One who brought the free gift to us.
In the past we were condemned in Adam, our representative. Now, by the work of Christ on the cross, and the fact of this sinless Person justifying us by His blood, our present standing is in Jesus Christ. This standing is real because our federal head, our representative, is the Risen Christ. The penalty of sin was taken by Him in the past when He was on the cross. Our place now is in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. Our history in Adam is now done with. As ungodly (Adam-condemned) sinners we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and at the cross our old history ended. "He was made sin for us." Now we are made righteous by God in Christ. We are in Christ and are accepted by God in Him.
In the past we were those who committed sins by the guilt of one man, Adam's disobedience. Now because of the obedience of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Father we are made righteous. This is not because He was obedient to the law. He was not under the authority of the law. The first Adam was not condemned by the law. There was no law. He was condemned because his self-will led him to be disobedient to God. The Lord Jesus was not under the law and neither were we. In our self-will we were disobedient to God. By the obedience of our Lord who is now our Risen Lord, we have been accepted by God because He is our righteousness.
In the past we were by one man's guilt condemned - It was started by one, then affected us all. Death has passed on all for all have sinned - All humanity has a sinful nature from that fall.
But into the darkness of condemnation has come light. The God of Love has given abundant grace. Not only that, but the gift of righteousness that brings life Has been presented to us to be received by personal faith.
Even though by Adam's sin we were far away From God, for in our nature was strong self-will. Yet now by God's abundance of grace this very day, We reign as kings as our cup of blessing He daily fills.
That gift of righteousness is ours now and forever. Eternal life because of that is our present possession. Nothing can or ever will from our Lord Jesus sever Those who have through that grace been given salvation.
There is joy in the soul when we stop to think Of all the blessings the abundance of grace to us did bring. We can stand firm in our Lord and never shrink From the charges that we are still an unholy thing.
By the gift of righteousness and abundance of grace We stand in Christ with assurance and no doubt, That He who gave us the blessings, has provided a place, Where we remain with joy in the soul that grace has brought about.
"Father, the day before us holds new things and new places. May my service for Thee today be in the full assurance that Thou hast brought me to this place for this time. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."