But
This past Sunday at Eastridge, our lead pastor Scott Moore shared a message that set up the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in a unique and powerful way. Scott took a look at the origin of sin in Genesis and how, because of sin, man’s relationship with God was torn – until Jesus repaired the relationship.
The book of Romans summarizes this narrative of sin and forgiveness:
12When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. 13Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. 14Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. 15But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But
…and, as Scott said, there’s what just may be the biggest word in the Bible. BUT…
even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. 16And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
18Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:12-19 (NLT)
But. It’s a simple word – three letters, one syllable, yet the truth conveyed after that one single word changed the world. I don’t know if this was verbatim from Scott’s message, but I tweeted this statement on Sunday: “Our destiny is sin, but God, through Christ, reversed that destiny!”
As we consider Christ’s horrific death this Good Friday, think about how He brought about the reversal of our destiny. Consider how our future was changed by Jesus’ willing sacrifice. Be grateful. Be filled with praise. Be thankful.
Photo by simon wood on Unsplash