September 7

Gift of Righteousness

"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ." Romans 5:17

It was because of Adam's transgression that sin and death reign on earth. And while sin and death will continue to reign on this earth until Jesus Christ returns, it need not reign in our lives. Jesus death changed that for us. He exchanged sin and death for grace and righteousness when we first believed. We cannot earn forgiveness of sins. We do not merit grace and righteousness. It is a gift that has been freely given by God, securing us salvation despite our sins and failures, through the second Adam, Jesus Christ. Note that the grace given us is abundant: there is no end to its supply. God's grace flows freely in our lives and results in our reigning right now, right here. This is not a future promise, though it is true we shall reign with him in heaven one day: this is a present promise. One that means we are sons and daughters of the King, princes and princesses NOW. Ours is a royal and triumphant life. What a precious promise that is, but do we fully comprehend all that it entails? God has given the gift, but it is ours to receive the gift to take it up and use it, to live a life of grace and righteousness, to reign. If we but open our hearts to Him, he will fill them to overflowing. As we step out and live this royal life, the overflowing grace that has been bestowed upon us will flow to others and so we share in the furtherance of His kingdom. F. B. Meyer put it so well when he said, "We must pour out as God pours in! Only so will He be able to trust us with His fullness. Our love to others, our willingness to help them, our forgiveness and patience must go out to the point of self-exhaustion, if we would know the abundant life and the grace that flows over." Let us go forth this day and live royally in His love and grace and be triumphant!

Father, how blessed we are to be called your sons and daughters! Help us to comprehend all that this means in our lives. Help us to take hold of the grace and righteousness you have offer us and to run with them. Allow us to be vessels of your grace and mercy that others might taste of your goodness. Help us to live triumphant and royal lives right here and right now and may all the glory rise up to You! Amen