‘GRACE’ defined by someone- God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense- is so thought-provoking! God’s grace is His unmerited favour to each of us—because of CHRIST! Romans 5:2 speaks of “this grace in which we now stand” of which we will glean through our reading for a better understanding.

Ephesians 2:8 reiterates: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gif of God…” In the context of today’s passage, let us see the riches of God’s grace brought to us:
 

1. Peace with GOD (Rom 5:1)- We were at enmity with God when we walked away from Him- our sins and wrong doings could never bring us near Him. But Christ took our place in paying for our sin with His death so we would be free from its punishment. When through Christ, our sins are forgiven, God accepts us as His friends! 


    

2. Hope of sharing God’s glory (Rom 5:2)- Our life is not just for this world- if our life is with Christ, we have the hope of spending eternity and sharing God’s glory in the life to come. 1Cor.15:19 says, “And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.” NOT SO!- we have the hope of eternal life in Christ!
    

3. Endurance in troubles (Rom 5:3-5)-If it weren’t for GOD’s abundant grace many of us would have crumbled under the weight of the troubles of this world or the trials of faith- but His grace is sufficient! The promise of God to Paul is for us too: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”(2Cor.12:9)


    

4. God’s Love poured into our hearts (Rom 5:5)-GOD first loved us so we love others (1John 4:19). We are able to love the “unlovable” and those who don’t deserve our love because of God’s love in our hearts! The love of God in us makes us want to obey Him (1John 5:3), living a pleasing life.


    

5. Christ’s death for me a sinner (Rom 5:6-8)- How many of us can echo the words of Paul in 1Tim.1:15: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” We didn’t deserve it- its God’s amazing grace that saved a wretch like you and me!


    

6. Saved from God’s Wrath (Rom 5:9)- All who live in wickedness and godlessness deserve what Romans 1:18 speaks of: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness…” But to those who repent and turn to the Saviour who bore the wrath of God for the sins of the whole world, is no more condemned (Rom.8:1). We are justified by Christ’s blood!


    

7. Reconciliation (Rom 5:10-11)- “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Eph.2:13). Having been forgiven of our wrong-doings through Christ we enjoy a close new relationship with God! What a privilege! And God expects one more step from us- He who has reconciled us in Christ has given us the ministry of reconciliation!! (2Cor.5:18)- we are called to forgive as He did to us and also bring others to be reconciled to Him!



​

Brethren, see how amazing is this GRACE in which we now stand! It is not a grace giving us a license to live how we want but one that comes with responsibility to live GRACE-filled lives until He comes back!

Thought for the Day:

“The law tells me how crooked I am.

Grace comes along and straightens me out.”

-D. L. Moody

Listen- 'Marvellous Grace'