ROMANS 5:12-21

Romans 5:12-21 (New Living Translation)

  ¹² When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. ¹³ Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. ¹⁴ Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. ¹⁵ But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. ¹⁶ And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. ¹⁷ For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. ¹⁹ Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
 ²⁰ God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. ²¹ 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.

Man's sin...guilt. GOD's gift...grace.

So, it seems we have a choice to make. We can run from GOD, hide in our shame and guilt,or...we can turn to GOD and receive HIS wonderful grace. It's a free gift that some people choose not to except. If that is your choice then death will be your end. Not only death in this lifetime but you will be separated from GOD for all eternity. To me it seems the obvious choice to make would be grace...life.

Like many others out there that was not always my choice. For years I choose guilt. Sometimes because of our bad choices we are filled with guilt and shame. Only GOD can help us to get rid of those feelings about ourselves. Once we let GOD cover our guilt with HIS grace we have to let those feelings go. Then we need to move on and make grace our choice from then on. Admit to HIM when you sin and ask for HIS forgiveness. HE will give you HIS grace and you have to receive it through faith. As long as you have the grace of GOD that will be all you need.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (New Living Translation)
⁹ Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.  

 

Ephesians 2:8 (New Living Translation)
⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

To me it all ties back into our relationship with GOD. The more we build our relationship with GOD the more faith and trust we have in HIM. Then we aren't afraid to go to HIM and ask for HIS grace when we have done something we should not have done. Don't fall back into your old habits of denial and rebellion. Receive HIS forgiveness and forget the guilt. Go on living the life you were born to live!