December 19, 2008

The Man
Romans 5:15-17 (HCSB) 15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if by the one man’s trespass the many died, how much more have the grace of God and the gift overflowed to the many by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ. 16 And the gift is not like the one man’s sin, because from one sin came the judgment, resulting in condemnation, but from many trespasses came the gift, resulting in justification. 17 Since by the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

The real baby born in a manger, who grew to be a real child, grew to be a real man. In the above passage, we learn from the apostle Paul why this was important. Paul indicates that “since by the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” Because sin came into the world through the one man, Adam. One man, Jesus would bring righteousness.

Jesus came in order to turn the course of mankind around from where it had been heading since Adam. Jesus brought grace. He brought forgiveness. He brought life to all of us. And he brought it as a gift. The ultimate Christmas gift. The gift of grace, forgiveness and righteousness.


Questions for Discussion
Have you received God’s gift of grace?
Have you shared it with others?
Will you?

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for coming to undo the damage done by Adam ( and all of his descendants including me) and bringing grace, forgiveness and righteousness! Amen.
Song
“Silent Night”