Preparing for Christmas Advent Devotional 12

Facebooktwitterpinterest

Romans 5

Peace with God Through Faith

5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith[b] into this grace in which we stand, and we[c] rejoice[d] in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Death in Adam, Life in Christ

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men[e] because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

18 Therefore, as one trespass[f] led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness[g] leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Advent Day #12
Jenn Hubert

I am not typically one to write in my Bible or leave markings, but by God’s perfect design, the chapter I was assigned contains the SINGLE post-it reminder I keep in my Bible - a passage I have referenced many times when I am going through a challenging time.

"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us - a free gift of salvation that cannot be rescinded." What an amazing reminder as we enter the Christmas season celebrating Christ’s birth and his entry into this sinful world. This passage contrasts the consequences of sin to the exponentially greater grace we receive from God through salvation. Though sin entered the world through the disobedience of one person bringing death, we are made righteous through the obedience of one person, Jesus Christ, and are promised eternal life because of his love and sacrifice for us.

We must maintain an endurance of perseverance as we navigate the challenges of this world. From the endless grace shown to us, we can take pride in our problems as they lead to HOPE. An important reminder that as Christians we are not immune to trials and tribulations, but the attitudes and actions we take in light of these challenges is a reflection of our trust and faith in God.

Let us be reminded of the gifts of Jesus, forgiveness, and salvation in this season. We can have PEACE with God through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ!

 

  1. What amazes you about God’s love?
  2. There could be some people that you don’t get along with too well. How does remembering that God loved you when you were still his enemy change the way you think about these people?
  3. What makes God’s peace different from other forms of peace?

 

Lord, I’m thankful that I have peace with you because of Jesus Christ. I’m thankful that I don’t have to be hopeless in my suffering because of your love that has been poured into me. Thank you for dying for me when I was your enemy. Thank you for justifying me by your blood. Please help me this advent season to reflect on your deep love for me.