How might we limit God’s grace in our own life?
21…as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:21 (ESV)
In Romans 5:21, the Apostle Paul writes, “As sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. As believers, we often focus on the incredible promise of grace reigning through righteousness, leading to eternal life. However, have you ever noticed the small but significant word “might” in this verse?
The use of “might” in this context is not a mere stylistic choice but a profound theological statement. It acknowledges that while God’s grace is all-powerful and sufficient to bring salvation, it does not operate automatically or independently of human response. The reign of grace in our lives is a possibility, a potential outcome that is contingent upon our faith in Jesus Christ.
It’s important to understand that this emphasis on human response does not diminish God’s sovereignty in salvation. Many Reformed theologians often speak of “compatible free will,” which suggests that our free will is not autonomous or independent of God’s will, but rather compatible with it. In other words, God’s grace works through our faith and response, not apart from it.
Just as sin once reigned in death, grace has the power to reign through righteousness. But this reign of grace is not forced upon us; rather, it is offered to us as a gift. We have the choice to accept or reject it, to embrace the righteousness that comes through faith or to continue in our sin.
The word “might” also highlights the purpose and intent of God’s grace. It is not an aimless or arbitrary force but a purposeful and transformative power that seeks to bring eternal life to all who believe. When we respond to God’s grace with faith, we open the door for it to reign in our lives, producing righteousness and leading us to eternal life.
As you meditate on Romans 5:21 today, let the word “might” be a reminder of the incredible potential of God’s grace in your life. It is a power that is available to you, but it requires your response of faith. Will you choose to let grace reign through righteousness, leading you to eternal life? Will you embrace the gift of salvation that is offered to you through Jesus?
Remember, the choice is yours. God’s grace is mighty to save, but it will not force itself upon you. Open your heart to the reign of grace, and experience the transformative power of righteousness that leads to eternal life.
In what ways might you be resisting the reign of grace in your life, choosing instead to hold onto sin or self-righteousness? What does it look like for you to actively choose to let grace reign in your life on a daily basis?
[The ideas for this week’s materials on Romans 5:12-21 were drawn from Roger’s question after the sermon! :-)]
It was not long before when I often chose my own path which is more often than not driven by desires that are not compatible with Godliness. I sometime didn’t even know that my desires drove me. God give us freewill but I don’t think my choices were always free. Sometime I was driven to a path by desire and a slave to those desire without a will of my own.
Then at some point after my relationship with the Lord deepened, I became more and more aware of those choices. Now I listen and can hear the Spirit voice ever more clearly. I listen and now at least I can actually choose. So you would think that I would then choose the right path each time?! Well actually no…I know now that it is my choice but sometime the path God wants me to go is harder and the distraction of earthly and temporary pleasures still drive me in another direction. Now I know that it is a choice to go against God so I have no excuse anymore and still I sin. The temptation of sin is not so easy to fight against! So is knowing now make the sins more evil in His eyes…I don’t think so but it does make it feel more painful in my heart.
So now I actively work each day to fight against these temptations and the constant pulls of sins. The way I am working toward is to be daily in His words and to converse with the Lord constantly and watch for His work and keeping my eyes on Him at all time. The more I fill my day with the Lord the less idle time I have where temptations can reign!