Romans 5:12-19… “For 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.” vs 19
While we may not agree with Paul’s interpretation of Genesis 3, we have to rejoice in the way he uses the story to proclaim the gospel of grace. His logic is impeccable. As in Adam the many were made sinners, in Jesus Christ the many are made righteous. He recognized that from the very beginning humanity has lived in a good and broken creation, and he believed that in Christ that brokenness has been healed. We can now live in this beautiful world and fully enjoy the incredible life that God intends for us.
Unfortunately, as all have experienced, that brokenness persists. Indeed, it will endure throughout our lives. There will always be times of pain and suffering. But in Christ we need not be overcome by the ugliness. Even death is a defeated enemy and will one day be overcome. And by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit we can know love, peace, and joy in abundance. In other words, we can know the delights of the peaceable kingdom now!
As we move through the weeks of Lent, we have the opportunity to daily draw closer to Jesus in our worship and prayer. And as we do, we won’t have to worry about our flaws. All that has been taken care of, and abundant forgiveness belongs to us. As Paul says, in Christ we have been made righteous!
Thought for the Day: How have I experienced healing?
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