The Deeper Magic
Opening Prayer
Read 1 Corinthians 15:21,22, perhaps in the Good News Bible, as a way into this challenging section.
Read Romans 5:12-21
[12] Therefore, 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- [13] To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. [14] Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come. [15] 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! [16] Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. [17] For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! [18] Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. [19] For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. [20] The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, [21] so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How does Paul compare these two examples of "one man"?Adam represents you and me. The ancient Jews would have understood better than us how an entire clan or society is affected by the sin of one person. Individual humans can choose what to do hour by hour, but none of us always chooses right; therefore, together, as a race, we must share the consequence of Adam’s choice: death (12). God’s law shows Adam’s descendants the nature of sin and righteousness and presents a route back to God. It also confirms that we are condemned because we can’t keep the rules. However, this passage reveals what Aslan, in C.S. Lewis’ Narnia Tales, calls “The Deeper Magic.” Following a logical consequence more meaningful than any human philosophy, God’s law actually enables his grace to abound (20)! The sheer size of human lawbreaking illustrates the far greater scope and wonder of God’s grace and of Christ’s achievement on the cross. The word “gift” appears five times here. The ultimate gift is seen at the cross. God gave his Son, Jesus, and Jesus gave his life for us. All human purpose and understanding yields to such divine grace.
Apply
Today, renew your faith with the words, “Jesus chose me. I choose Jesus.” Then, thank him for his gracious choice.
Closing prayer
Lord of grace, I can hardly take in all that You did for me, but I’m so glad You did!
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