“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 5:20-21
What is wrong with Christians these days? Judging by their facial expressions, conduct and conversations, their “religion” seems rather legalistic and joyless. Although Christians know that they should share the Gospel, they don't seem to be convinced that the news is all that good. Rather than a joyous and exciting message of life and hope, they seem to treat it as a message that they don't find compelling to share, because they don't really enjoy it themselves.
That may seem to be a rather cruel assessment of American Christianity, but it is rather accurate. Most Christians act as though they don't find the Good News to be very good. Some drag themselves to church on Sunday, hoping the service will be brief, so they don't have to stay very long. Many rarely go to church at all. During the week, they act just as fearful, anxious and discouraged as unbelievers. Even worse, the behavior of many church members is not much different than the sinful culture they are living in. Even those who seem to be pious don't act like people who've been changed by good news.
Somehow, Christians no longer consider the good news to be very good. Why is that? That message hasn't changed. The Lord is still the same. The reality of the Gospel remains real and relevant. Jesus still saves. Lives are still changed by the message of the Gospel. The promises of Scripture are still thrilling and alive. The Holy Spirit is still active. Heaven is still awaiting believers. Jesus is still coming soon. It isn't the message that has changed. We have.
It has been said that believers need to preach the Gospel to themselves every day. We need to be reminded about sin, judgment, the cross and salvation. We need to think about how life was in sin. We need to recall the glorious moment of salvation. We need to be reminded how precious Jesus is. We need to stay in the Scriptures and bask in the promises of God. We need fresh reminders about God's grace and mercy.
The Gospel really is good news. We need to embrace this. We need to have a time of silence and solitude as we ponder the glorious message of Jesus Christ. We need to revisit the cross and be in awe of the great sacrifice given on our behalf. We need to consider the magnitude of our sins, appreciate the extravagant cost that was paid for our redemption and enjoy fellowship with God once again.
If we truly believe that the Gospel is good news, it should show on our faces. It should be revealed in our conversations. It should be expressed in our conduct. It should transform our character.
Romans 5:20-21 tells us, “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” From this passage of Scripture, we learn that the Gospel really is good news.
“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound.” The law of God reveals to us our sinful condition. The good news is best understood and appreciated when we understand the bad news. Without Christ, we were sinful, guilty and doomed. We had a terminal disease called sin. We had no way to treat or heal this disease. Humanity faced eternal punishment because of sin.
Jesus Christ came to bring the remedy to our situation. On the cross, He paid for our sins so we wouldn't have to pay for them. The Bible says, “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” I was a great sinner, but Jesus is a greater Savior. My sins were awful, vile and wicked. His grace was much stronger than my sins. Jesus died and paid for all my sins. He paid my debt in full. By receiving the Lord Jesus, I received His payment in full. Now my account is clear before God.
Furthermore, because of Jesus, I experience life. New life. Eternal life. The Scripture goes on to say, “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Through Jesus, I have a better life. Glorious life. Everlasting life.
Do you believe this? If you truly believe this, then act like it. Live like it. Talk like it. Have your attitude and actions shaped by this reality. It is more than just religious talk. If the Gospel is true, then you should never, ever live a drab, dreary and dreadful life. The message of eternal life is good news. It is great news. It is life-changing news. It must begin with your life and mine … then spread to others.
The Gospel really is good news!!!
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