Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Grace Overflowed

 

PAVILION - CONSTRUCTION
October 24, 2021


Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, 
so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign 
through justification for eternal life 
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ROMANS 5:20-21


Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all (Rom 5:12). If by that one person’s transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many (Rom 5:15). 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.” (Lk 12:35-38)

For if, by the transgression of one, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ (Rom 5:17). 

In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of one man the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of one the many will be made righteous. (Rom 5:18-19)

Sacrifice or oblation You wished not, but ears open to obedience You gave me. Burnt offerings or sin-offerings You sought not; then said I, “Behold I come.” “In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, to do Your will, O my God, is my delight, and Your law is within my heart!” I announced Your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know. (Ps 40:7-10)

May all who seek You exult and be glad in You, and may those who love Your salvation say ever, “The Lord be glorified.” (Ps 40:17)