Daily Devotion: Abundant Grace

Scripture:
Romans 5

Main Verse:
Romans 5: 20-21
Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Observation:
There are three points that Paul raises in this verse:

1. The Law came in to increase the trespass (sin) - Adam was the author of the first sin, and everyone has a sinful nature because of him. Even before the law was created, we are all guilty before God. But God created the Law not to subdue our desire to sin, but to convict us that we are sinners.

2. But where sin increased - There is a Filipino saying, "Masarap ang bawal." True? Isn't it that when something's forbidden, you feel more of the urge to do it. It does feel good, and you feel happier...temporarily. Once you're trapped in the loop of sin, however, you will eventually feel miserable. Our sins will eternally separate us from God and will result into our spiritual death.

3. Grace abounded all the more - This is where God's abundant grace flows. No one among us can boast that we are saved because of our good works because that is impossible. As sinners because of Adam, we are separated from God. But it was God's abundant grace made available through our Lord Jesus Christ that we are made holy again. We are all disobedient, and even if we are 99% obedient, there will always be a part of our sinful selves that will be disobedient. But because Jesus never sinned, because of His obedience, this grace--God's overflowing grace--was given to us.

Application: 
As I was watching video testimonies of some people--drug addicts, adulterers, etc., in the past--who received the grace of God through their faith in Jesus Christ, the verse Romans 5:20 mentioned by one lady during her interview struck me. These people once lived sinful lives and believed the lie that there is no hope of change for them, but the grace of God is so abundant that no matter how sinful we are, there is still hope. If you feel that your life has no sense of direction, you can come to Jesus Christ and let him lead your life. There is no sin greater than Him! He wants us to come to Him so He can freely give us his blessings of mercy and grace.  We can only receive that if we admit to ourselves that we have been self-righteous, that we are sinners, and that we need Him to save us from our sins. If you do have Him in your life now, rejoice for you have received undeserved favor from the Lord.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for your abundant grace. Indeed, I am undeserving of your loving kindness, but by your mercy and grace, I have received and continue to receive spiritual blessings through my Lord Jesus Christ. May you continue to reign forever and ever till eternity. I look forward to the day when I meet You, my Creator, Lord of Heaven and earth! AMEN.