Romans 5:17
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”
As God’s beloved sons and daughters, we are new creations in Christ Jesus. We aren’t the same as we were before knowing Him, as we’ve been reborn, receiving the gift of righteousness through our Lord and Savior. Therefore, when we work out salvation, we are merely walking out the new life Christ has already given us. The Bible reminds us that Jesus suffered to sanctify us through His own blood. So, now we have graciously been given His gift of eternal life!
By the power of another gift, His Holy Spirit, Christ now lives His life through us, as we are changed from glory to glory. We’ve been crucified with Christ, and no longer live as we did before, but Christ lives in us. Hence, the life we now live is by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us.
Amazingly, we no longer have to see in order to believe, as we live our lives by faith, not by sight. We realize that without faith, it’s impossible to please God. In addition, we’re transformed by the renewing of our minds with God’s word, and His law is fulfilled when we love others, as love does no harm to a neighbor.
Moreover, we realize that without the Lord, we can do nothing because it is God who works in us to will and do of His good pleasure. As the Body of Christ, He has given us various gifts and talents to carry out His will. So, whether functioning as a hand, arm, leg or foot, we are each a part of the Lord’s Body.
Thankfully, God has equipped us with weapons of spiritual warfare that are mighty through God; spiritual armor to withstand the wiles of our enemy. We are not alone through life’s challenges or attacks, and our heavenly Father has provided many precious promises regarding our welfare. He has not only heavenly gifted us, but I’d say heavily, gifted us. There is so much He has freely done for us. Who is like the Lord?
Now, we can rest in knowing we belong to a Savior who will one day return for us to take us home to live with Him forever. However, until then, we are to occupy until He comes.
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Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 5:17, Hebrews 13:12, Philippians 2:12, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 12:2, Romans 13:10, 2 Corinthains 5:7, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 11:6, Philippians 2:13, Romans 12:6, 2 Corinthians 10:4, John 14:2-3, and Luke 19:13.
