From Death to Life
Nourishment for the Soul
The Gift of Grace in Christ
Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal - a time to consider our deep need for a Savior. As we journey toward the cross, we’re reminded of the weight of sin, the reality of death, and the incomparable grace found in Christ.
In Romans 5:12-21, Paul contrasts two figures: Adam and Christ. Through Adam, sin entered the world, bringing death and separation from God. But through Christ, grace abounds, restoring what was lost. This passage reminds us that while sin and death are undeniable realities, they don’t have the final word. The cross of Christ stands as the ultimate answer, offering life where death once reigned.
Sin Entered Through One Man (Romans 5:12-14)
Paul begins with a stark truth:
Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned. (Romans 5:12)
Adam’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden didn’t just affect him - it unleashed sin into the entire world. Humanity became enslaved to sin, and with it came suffering, decay, and death.
We see this reality all around us. War, injustice, disease, broken relationships, personal struggles with temptation - all are reminders that we live in a fallen world. Lent is a time to acknowledge this brokenness, not to dwell in despair, but to prepare our hearts for the hope of Easter. We can’t truly appreciate Christ’s victory until we understand the depths of our need.
The Gift That Overcomes Sin (Romans 5:15-17)
Paul then shifts from the tragedy of Adam to the triumph of Christ:
But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! (Romans 5:15)
Adam’s sin brought condemnation, but Jesus’ obedience brings justification. This is the heart of the Gospel - though we inherited sin from Adam, we receive righteousness through Christ.
Paul emphasizes how much more God’s grace abounds. Jesus doesn’t just undo the damage of sin - he completely overwhelms it with his righteousness. His sacrifice on the cross is more than enough to cover every sin, past, present, and future. This is why Lent is not only a time of repentance but also a season of grace. We fast, we reflect, we confess - but we do so knowing that grace overflows.
From Death to Reigning in Life (Romans 5:18-21)
Paul concludes with this powerful truth:
Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. (Romans 5:18)
Through Christ, we’re not only forgiven – we’re made new. We’re no longer ruled by sin and death, but by grace and life.
Lent calls us to reflect on this transition:
Are we still living as though sin reigns over us?
Are we holding onto shame when Christ has already covered it?
Do we live in the joy and freedom that comes from grace?
Paul reminds us in Romans 5:20: “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” This doesn’t mean we take sin lightly, but it assures us that God’s grace is always greater. No matter how far we’ve fallen, the cross of Christ reaches farther.
Walking in the Grace of Christ
This Lenten season, let’s reflect on the contrast between Adam and Christ:
Adam’s disobedience brought sin; Christ’s obedience brings righteousness.
Adam’s failure led to death; Christ’s victory leads to life.
Through Adam, we were lost; through Christ, we are redeemed.
As we prepare for Easter, let’s embrace both repentance and hope. Let’s mourn the weight of sin but rejoice in the overwhelming gift of grace.
Thanks be to God.
Reflection Questions
In what ways do you see the effects of sin in your own life and the world around you?
How does the truth of grace overflowing shape the way you live each day?
Are there areas in your life where you struggle to fully receive God’s grace?
Action Steps
Spend time in confession this week, asking God to reveal areas where sin still has a foothold.
Meditate on Romans 5:20: “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” Let this truth encourage you.
Share the hope of Christ with someone who’s struggling with guilt or shame. Be a witness to the overwhelming grace of God.
Lent is a journey from death to life, from brokenness to redemption. And as we walk this path, we do so knowing that grace reigns - now and forever.
Amen.
As we continue our Lenten journey, may we reflect deeply on the grace that overcomes sin and death. Through Christ, we’ve been given the gift of life - eternal and abundant. Let’s walk in gratitude, repentance, and renewed faith, knowing that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Thank you for reading Fresh Bread today. If this devotion has encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend, subscribing for more daily reflections, or joining the conversation in the comments. May you be blessed as you seek the Lord this season!
Thank you for this Dale. This helped me a lot in understanding.