TOPIC: FREE GIFT OF JESUS BRINGS JUSTIFICATION
Bible Text: Romans 5:12-17
“Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification.” Romans 5:16, NIV
An African theologian, David M. Kasali talks about the “principle of corporate solidarity in which the actions of one person affect the lives of all their relatives.” Similar to the Jews, Africans lifestyle is community-based, in which “one is because others are.” Kasali illustrates with a scenario, that in Africa, “a whole clan may need to be cleansed because a senior member of the community has broken a taboo. Those who refuse to participate in the cleansing rituals are believed to be still at risk of the angered spirits.”
In this passage, Paul identified nine contrasts between Adam and Christ (vv. 15-21). Adam sinned, and he brought condemnation and death upon all humanity. Hence, all sinned while still in the “genes” of Adam. Conversely, Christ, the second Adam came as the new head of all human community.
By His obedience, self-sacrifice and death on the cross, Jesus brought us the free gift of justification, despite our sins. Whoever accepts this free gift is regarded and treated just as if he had never sinned. Believe in the LORD Jesus Christ today and receive the free gift of justification.
Insight: Through obedience to the will of God, Jesus took man’s place and cancelled the death sentence hanging over us.
Prayer: Thank You LORD, for justifying me through Your blood.
RBT Passage: Isaiah 32-34
