Gift of Righteousness
Submitted by Hunter Grills
December 17, 2024
Ro 5:17-18 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.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Thanksgiving has passed. Christmas is near, and wow are things ever so busy. Everywhere we seem to look, businesses are trying to sell us those last-minute Christmas gifts. The emphasis placed on Christmas gifts, activities, and food so often leads us to forget the true meaning of Christ’s birth.
The gift of righteousness that we receive from Christ is truly the greatest gift that we could ever possess. The result of Adam’s sin is described in the first part of verse eighteen which says, “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation;”
The death of Adam is why we have the birth of Christ. The death and resurrection of Christ is why those of us in Adam can have a second birth.
Jesus came to this earth. He was born of a virgin, lived a perfect sinless life, died on the cross of Calvary, and resurrected three days later. He was God in the flesh and became sin for us so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor 5:21).
This gift of righteousness that we have because of Christ is not something to be taken lightly. This wonderful gift we do not deserve, and we should share it with the world. As we look to purchase gifts for loved ones and friends, may we always remember that the gift of righteousness is the greatest gift anyone could ever receive.
Ro 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Consider – The mortality rate of Adam’s race is 100%, yet the believer’s reign in life through Jesus is more certain than death or taxes!