“For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:17
Throughout Romans chapter 5, Paul contrasts the disastrous consequences of Adam’s sin to the glorious results of Christ’s sacrifice. When Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, his one sin ushered death into our world. His fall into sin ruined mankind, so that we are all born into sin and joyously embrace it for ourselves. Because sin separates us from God, Who is the source of life, the appropriate and necessary payment and consequence for sin is death. Thus, through Adam, death became a necessary part of every life on earth.
However, as terrible as all that is, the victory of Jesus on the cross is even more powerful! For everyone who trusts in Jesus, having their sins forgiven by God’s grace, death has been defeated! Every believer in Jesus will rise from the dead just as Jesus did. First, our soul will be with Jesus. Then our bodies will rise in a glorified state when He returns. Death isn’t the end for us, it’s the beginning of something unimaginably wonderful – an eternity spent in the presence of our Savior. We will reign in life through Jesus Christ!
Death occupies an enormous place in the mind and imagination of most people, including believers in Jesus. However, the reality is that for Christians, death is a minor note compared to the glories of eternal life. Death is no more consequential than a quick stop at a rest area on an interstate highway. Take time to contemplate that today and rejoice in it! Your death won’t be your final moment. Reigning in life is your eternal reality! #FollowJesus