¹⁵ But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. (Romans 5:15 ESV)

Death came to us through one man (Adam), just as life came to us through one man (Jesus Christ).

In all of the scriptures, this is the one main theme and story. Mankind’s fall from grace through Adam’s original sin and the redemption of mankind through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross. It is an easy and straightforward message, but the profound gravity of it can get lost on us. Especially those who do not necessarily believe the veracity of scripture.

There are theme’s that run through different cultures and religions. Many of our stories seem to overlap. However, the story of Adam and Jesus have no real equal. If we take the time to truly study this we find that the story of salvation is unique and points to the One True God. The free gift of grace is where so many falter. They think that it must be works that pave a way to heaven. They cannot grasp that nothing gets us there but this free gift and that the free gift is where works begin. Not out of some misguided attempt to be good enough, but through the desire to please the God who saved us.

Reflect on: The free gift of salvation and your desire to serve the God you love.