ABUNDANT LIFE IN CHRIST: His Restoring Grace

In the fifth chapter of Romans, Paul mentions a third “much more” of the abundant life in verses twelve through sixteen.

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. (NKJV)

The key word is SANCTIFIED—that is, we are righteous in Him. Though the term “sanctified” isn’t used here, the truth of sanctification is taught. It means that we have been set apart by God for God. We have been made holy in Him and for Him.

Paul alludes to the fact that in Adam—through one man—all of us are sinners under the penalty of death. In Christ—through one man—all of us are saints with the possession of life.

But, much more—for not only is the debt of sin cancelled, but righteousness is deposited to our credit! This is abounding, overflowing grace. What we lost in Adam is restored by Christ. Adam was driven from paradise by the righteous government of God’s law and we are welcomed back to paradise by the restoring grace of God’s love!

I used to have a line of credit on my home that I could draw on—an equity line. I really enjoyed that until I spent it all. Well, it was fun while it lasted. But so much more, Christ’s grace is a limitless line of credit. You cannot bankrupt Him! He has an inexhaustible supply—and it is available for you today. The much more part is that the more you have drawn upon it, you find the more His righteousness working in you and through you. That’s Christ’s restoring grace!