Romans 5:13-17 "(For until the Law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no Law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of HIM that was to come. 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. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 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.)"
Our GOD is not only a merciful GOD WHO has withheld from us that which we rightly deserve, but HE is also a gracious GOD WHO, conversely, bestows upon us that which we certainly do not deserve. Grace has often been defined as "unmerited favor." Surely all who have experienced new life through belief in the PERSON and finished work of CHRIST can attest to the LORD's marvelous grace. We deserve Hell, eternal punishment, and everlasting separation from GOD. Yet, because GOD loved us, HE stretched forth HIS gracious hand and offered us eternal life and a personal relationship with HIM -- something that we could never deserve or earn on our own.
The Bible continually characterizes the LORD as a GOD of grace. Today's text describes HIM as gracious ("the grace of GOD"; "abundance of grace") and then explains how HIS grace relates to salvation ("the gift by grace"). GOD's offer to mankind -- eternal life through faith alone in JESUS CHRIST -- is not only a gracious gift but it is received only by grace. If grace is unmerited kindness, then one must realize that salvation is obtained through what grace truly is -- GOD's unmerited favor. Man can do nothing to deserve or earn this gift; he must simply accept it by faith. Ephesians 2:8 (pictured above) explains, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD."
The grace that saves us is also a grace that bestows abundant blessing upon us. Once we are saved, we are blessed "with all spiritual blessings" (Ephesians 1:3 pictured above). As citizens and heirs of Heaven and members of GOD's family, even now we can claim the benefits that come from being a child of GOD. How ? Our LORD gives to us "abundant grace." MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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