TOPIC: GRACE LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE
Bible Text: Romans 5:18-21
“So that just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD.” Romans 5:21, NIV
MESSAGE
A native Chinese wanted to become a Christian but did not understand how Christianity is superior to Confucianism and Buddhism. One night, he had a dream that he fell into a deep pit. In his despair and helplessness, he saw Confucius came and said, “Let me give you advice, my friend; if you get out of trouble, never get in again.”
Later, Buddha came and said, “If you can climb up to where I can reach you, I will help you.” Lastly, Christ came. He climbed down into the pit and carried him out. In that dream, he discovered who could deliver him from sin and death.
We have seen that death came through Adam’s sin to all men. When the law was introduced, it only developed the extent, guilt and misery of sin. Like Confucius and Buddha, it could not help. Through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, grace stepped down to the full depth of the pit of sin to bring us out.
To remain in the pit means darkness and death. To be brought out by grace means light and eternal life. Accept the grace of Jesus Christ, and you will have eternal life.
Insight: Adam stands for man’s condemnation; Christ stands for man’s justification.
Prayer: Jesus, bring me out of the pit of sin and misery.
RBT Passage: Isaiah 35-37