2026 Lent Devotions
Friday, February 20
Romans 5:12-19
12 Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned 13 for sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam, who is a pattern of the one who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. 16 And the gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the gift following many trespasses brings justification. 17 If, because of the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
18 Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. 19 For just as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
“… 17 If, because of the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. …”
As usual, Paul makes a convoluted argument regarding sin and death versus justification and life. The basis of his explanation centers on the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Their trespass – disobedience to God’s command not to eat of the fruit – led to the death for all who followed. (That’s you and me!)
However, Jesus corrected that error. His willingness to offer himself on the cross offered justification for all who believe. In other words, the broken relationship because of sin is restored. His resurrection also gave life. Therefore, as Paul points out, the one man’s trespass in the Garden that brought death for all is eclipsed by the one man’s sacrifice (Jesus) that brings life for all.
This is the good news of life that God offers. It is a gift of God’s grace offered through the death and resurrection of our Lord. While sin and death remain, justification and life abound. For that, we give thanks.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the gift of life given through Jesus Christ. Amen.