Today’s Encouragement is, “So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:21 NLT
Now Grace Rules –
Two distinct authorities are contrasted here.
“Sin Ruled” – Before Jesus, the world was ruled (in the past tense) by Sin, and this brought death. But God!
“Now Grace Rules” – When Jesus came, lived, died, and was resurrected… then God’s wonderful Grace began to rule (in the present tense)!
Of course, we know that sin is still here! It still kills, hates, tempts, and destroys! But God! God calls us to accept His free gift of Grace, His Love, and the Rebirth into a new grace-filled life of freedom which Jesus made possible.
Now, Sin does not rule us who believe in Jesus! We are still tempted by it, even affected by it, but it doesn’t Rule over us! Because now, Grace Rules!
Grace is living in and under the Love of God expressed perfectly through Jesus. It’s often described as the unmerited favor of God. It is both – unmerited – completely undeserved, and favor – His measureless blessing, honor, and Love. And now, this Grace Rules! (Some mistakenly believe that the concept of Grace gives us freedom to sin without consequence, but this is clearly refuted in Romans 6:1-2).
Thank you, Father, that we now live in Your Kingdom of Grace, where Your Love and forgiveness rule, and we are no longer under the rule and authority of sin!
Grace
Martin Smith
Today’s Encouragement 