Topic: WELCOME TO THE ARENA OF GRACE – Bishop Mike Okonkwo Devotional 25 June 2021 [The Redeemed Evangelical Mission]
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WELCOME TO THE ARENA OF GRACE
“That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:21 KJV
In the New Testament and for the New Creation, righteousness is not by doing; it is by receiving. You don’t do anything to become righteous. God gave it to you as a gift when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You couldn’t earn it; you weren’t even qualified for it. Yet, you need it to be able to stand before Him. You also need it to be able to resist the devil. So, God gave it to you as a gift.
According to the book of Romans 5:19-20 says, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Moreover, the law entered, that the offence might abound…” (KJV). Notice that the law didn’t enter so that holiness or perfection can come. That means the law cannot perfect you. The law entered to condemn you. The reason for the law is to kill you, show you your weakness and to show you that you are not qualified.
The law entered that offence may abound. It didn’t enter so that you will become holy. Can you now see why “thou shall not” cannot make anyone holy? The law entered so that you will see that you are a failure and have the need of a Savior. “…But where sins abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20 KJV). Thus, the scripture is saying that where sin abounds, grace, much grace, more grace and grace upon grace super abounds. Grace is unmerited favour! You are not qualified, but God has qualified you.
Beloved, wherever sin is located, right there, there is so much grace to break that power of sin and elevate you to a platform where sin does not matter. Welcome to the arena of Grace where the power of sin over your life is broken.
Further Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Job 3-4; Evening- Acts 7:44-60