“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
Romans 5:19
If I know that I’m forgiven, why do I often have a nagging sense that I do not measure up? If I believe Jesus is my Savior, why do I still struggle to live a life that is pleasing to Him? These are questions believers have wrestled with for centuries. Perhaps focusing on Christmas is exactly what we need to face these conundrums.
While Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we also can celebrate the birth of our Righteousness. Paul contrasts our first representative, Adam, with our second and better representative, Jesus. Adam’s sins tainted us all, but Jesus’ perfect obedience has made those who believe in Him righteous.
Think about that this holiday season, especially if you find yourself exchanging a Christmas gift at a store or online. There will never be a more astounding exchange than Jesus’ perfect life credited to us in place of our sin-filled lives. When you grasp the awe of that exchange, you also see that you need not worry about measuring up. Jesus is our righteousness, and that is more than enough!
While Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we also can celebrate the birth of our Righteousness. Paul contrasts our first representative, Adam, with our second and better representative, Jesus. Adam’s sins tainted us all, but Jesus’ perfect obedience has made those who believe in Him righteous.
Think about that this holiday season, especially if you find yourself exchanging a Christmas gift at a store or online. There will never be a more astounding exchange than Jesus’ perfect life credited to us in place of our sin-filled lives. When you grasp the awe of that exchange, you also see that you need not worry about measuring up. Jesus is our righteousness, and that is more than enough!
Scripture Focus
Romans 5:19-20
Insight
“How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?/ How many lords have abandoned their homes?/ How many greats have become the least for me?” (Downhere, 2011)
Bible In A Year
- Haggai 1-2
- Proverbs 27
- Revelation 11-12
