Tag: Romans

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4

If grace abounds where sin increases, then the natural question is—should I just keep sinning so grace keeps flowing? Paul doesn’t hesitate. By no means. That’s not just a moral objection, it’s a theological one. If I’ve truly died to sin, how could I still live in it? That’s not who I am anymore.

Romans 5 showed me that grace reigns, not sin. Romans 6 takes it further—it says I’ve been united with Christ in His death. Baptism isn’t just a symbol, it’s a declaration that my old self was buried. And just like Christ was raised, I’ve been raised to walk in newness of life. That’s not poetic language—it’s a spiritual reality.

This passage tells me that grace doesn’t just forgive me, it transforms me. I’m not just avoiding punishment; I’m living a new kind of life. The power that raised Jesus is the same power that enables me to walk differently. I’m not dragging my old self around—I’ve left him in the grave.

APPLICATION

So today, when I feel tempted or discouraged, I remind myself—I’ve died to that. I don’t belong to sin anymore. I belong to Christ. And the more I walk with Him, the more I hate what separates me from Him. That hatred of sin isn’t bitterness—it’s love. Love for the One who gave me new life. And every time I choose righteousness, I’m not just obeying—I’m walking in resurrection.

Once again, one of my favorite verses tells this in one fail swoop – “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21

This passage is one of those passages that flips the way I think about sin and grace. Paul says the law came in so that the trespass might increase—not because God wanted more sin, but because the law exposes it. Like turning on a light in a messy room. Once the law is known, sin becomes clearer, more obvious, and in some ways, more accountable.

But then Paul says something wild: where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. That’s not just a balancing act—it’s an overflow. Grace doesn’t just meet sin at the line; it floods past it. It’s like sin builds a dam, and grace breaks it wide open.

Then he says that just as sin reigned in death, grace reigns through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus. So sin had a kingdom—it ruled, and its throne was death. But grace has a kingdom too, and it rules through righteousness, not just to make us better people, but to bring us into eternal life IN and THROUGH Jesus.

For me, this means I don’t have to be afraid of the depth of my sin. The more I see it, the more I can marvel at the grace that covers it. It also means I don’t have to live under the rule of sin anymore. Grace is the new authority. And it’s not passive—it reigns. That gives me hope, especially when I feel stuck or discouraged. Grace isn’t just a soft cushion—it’s a powerful force that leads me somewhere eternal.

APPLICATION

I see a picture of grace that doesn’t just cover sin—it overwhelms it. That truth shapes how I view my own sanctification. I’m not who I used to be. I used to be under the reign of sin, ruled by its impulses and blind to its cost. But now, grace reigns in me. And that reign isn’t passive—it’s active, transforming me day by day.

I can see the progression. The things I used to justify or ignore now grieve me. Not because I’m trying to be perfect, but because I’m getting closer to Jesus. And the closer I get, the more clearly I see how ugly sin really is. My hatred of sin isn’t just moral—it’s relational. Sin separates me from the One I love. So I fight it, not out of fear, but out of love.

The fruit shows up in how I respond to temptation, how I treat others, how I repent more quickly and forgive more freely. I’m not a slave anymore. I still stumble, but I don’t stay down. Grace lifts me, teaches me, and keeps me moving forward. That’s the evidence—that I’m not just avoiding sin, I’m being reshaped by righteousness. And that righteousness isn’t mine—it’s Christ’s, reigning in me.

16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. Romans 5:16

This verse presents a theological contrast between the consequences of Adam’s sin and the gift of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul explains that the judgment resulting from one man’s sin—Adam—led to condemnation. In contrast, the free gift that comes after many trespasses leads to justification. This highlights several theological themes.

First, it points out the contrast between Adam and Christ. Adam’s single act of disobedience brought condemnation to humanity, while Christ’s act of sacrifice brings justification even after so many sins. This sets up a situation where Adam represents the fall and Christ represents redemption.

Second, it contrasts judgment and gift. Judgment is the rightful consequence of our sin, showing God’s justice. The gift, however, is undeserved and shows God’s mercy. God’s grace is not a reversal of judgment but a crediting of it to Jesus, Who paid for it.

Third, the verse contrasts condemnation and justification. Condemnation is a legal declaration of guilt, while justification is a legal declaration of righteousness. Through Christ, we believers are not just forgiven—we are declared righteous.

Fourth, it shows the scope of grace. Adam’s sin affected all people, but Christ’s gift is available to all who receive it by faith. Grace is not limited by the number or severity of sins; it is abundant and sufficient.

Spiritually, this verse teaches that while sin has real consequences, God’s grace is greater. It invites believers to trust in the sufficiency of Christ’s righteousness and marvel at the depth of divine mercy.

APPLICATION

I can apply this verse to my life by remembering that grace is not something I earn—it’s a gift that covers even my repeated failures. When I mess up, I don’t have to live under the weight of condemnation. Instead, I can turn to Christ, knowing that His gift of justification is stronger than my sin. That frees me to live with hope and humility.

It also reminds me to extend grace to others. If God’s gift can cover many trespasses, then I shouldn’t be stingy with forgiveness or quick to judge. I want to reflect that same mercy in how I lead, mentor, and parent—offering restoration instead of punishment when someone falls short.

Finally, this verse helps me stay grounded in gratitude. I didn’t earn this standing with God, and I can’t lose it by failing. That truth gives me courage to keep going, even when I feel inadequate. I’m not defined by my worst moment—I’m defined by Christ’s gift

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that One Man Jesus Christ abounded for many. Romans 5:15

In these next 3 verses, I will cover in as many days, are 3 amazing truths that Paul shares with us. The first is the Grace of God that has come to so many after the trespass of one man, Adam for that which died. So, the gift is not like the sin Adam committed. It is so much more because of Who the grace is offered through. By the sin Adam committed, we are born into sin because of the nature of sin that was passed down to us by birth. BUT, Jesus, Who committed no sin, willingly gave Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to bring about the grace through God to all who trust in His Son Jesus.

So, the gift of Jesus is so much more than the sin that sunk us. We just need to accept it in a surrendering way. Trusting in Jesus means that He becomes the Lord of our life. There is no sharing of our heart when it comes to Him. He is either has it all or He hasn’t been given it, at all.

APPLICATION

Do I live every facet of my life surrendered to Him? He has my heart but this carcass, world I live in, and the great deceiver have not left…surrender to God is a second-by-second choice. That choice, however; is reinforced with an acknowledgement of what He has done and the gift I have received through that work. It is not only a commitment I made, it is a moment-by-moment recognition in gratefulness of the hope in eternity I have because of King Jesus.

Romans 5:12-13 (ESV)
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.

I love it when there is the word “therefore” after poignant passages in the Bible because great insight follows. Here in Romans 5:12, Paul connects us back to the preceding verses, especially Romans 5:1–11. He has just finished explaining the benefits of being justified by faith: peace with God, access to grace, hope in suffering, and reconciliation through Christ. So when he says “therefore,” he’s moving us into a deeper theological explanation of how sin and death entered the world and why the Passion of Jesus is so necessary. It’s a pivot from the benefits of salvation to the reason salvation is needed in the first place.

Paul explains that sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and death came as a result of sin. This death then spread to all people. Here the English translation is that death spread to all men because all have sinned. However, I think there is different way of reading this. “Because of Adam, everyone is born into sin (being that our nature is to sin), and because of that, without rescue, we will all experience spiritual death.” What is important to grasp is that due to Adam’s sin, it became part of his nature and is why sin was passed down to every human being (except Christ of course). That nature is present from the moment of conception, making it impossible for people to live in a way that pleases God.

Paul clarifies that sin existed before the law was given (i.e., before Moses), but it wasn’t counted in the same way because there was no formal law written down to break. I like how John MacArthur says it, “Though all men were regarded as sinners, because there was no explicit list of commands, there was no strict accounting of their specific points of violation.”

Tomorrow…there is another wonderful “BUT” coming.

APPLICATION

I recognize that my struggle with sin isn’t just a personal issue—it’s part of a larger human condition that began with Adam. I see that death, both physical and spiritual, is the consequence of sin. Even when I don’t have a clear rule to break, I still fall short, which shows how deeply rooted sin is in my human nature (this body I call “the carcass I live in here on earth”). This passage reminds me that I need grace not because I’ve broken a specific law, but because I’m part of a humanity that has inherited sin and its consequences. As I look forward to what comes tomorrow, it humbles me and makes me grateful for the gift of reconciliation through Jesus, Who offers life where death once ruled.

Romans 5:10-11 (ESV)
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Paul makes a powerful argument: If God reconciled me to Himself while I was His enemy, how much more will He save me now that I’m His child—through the resurrected life of Jesus! And not only am I saved, but I also rejoice in God Himself, because through Jesus, I’ve received reconciliation, a restored relationship with the Creator God.

I am reminded of Jesus’ teaching on “the vine and branches” in John 15:5.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Jesus uses the analogy of a vine and branches to describe the essential relationship between Himself and His followers. He is the source of life, nourishment, and growth—the vine. We as believers are the branches, entirely dependent on Him to bear fruit.

To “abide” in Christ means to remain in close, continual fellowship with Him—through trust, obedience, prayer, and the Word. Fruitfulness is not the result of human effort alone, but of staying connected to Jesus.

The phrase “apart from me you can do nothing” is a sobering reminder that our spiritual awareness and effectiveness are impossible without Him. It’s not that people can’t do anything—but they can’t do anything of eternal value, true spiritual significance, or permanent change of heart, without abiding in King Jesus.

APPLICATION

Now that I’ve been reconciled to God through Jesus’ death, I can be absolutely confident that I’m secure in His life. Jesus didn’t just die for me—He lives FOR me. His resurrection means my salvation is alive and active, not just a past event.

I will live with confidence. If God loved me at my worst, I don’t need to fear losing His love now. I only fear disappointing Him. I will rejoice in God Himself…Not just in His gifts, but in who He is—my Father, my Savior, my source of life. I will walk in reconciliation. I’m no longer an enemy of God. I’m His beloved child. That changes how I see myself and how I relate to others. I will trust in Jesus’ life. His resurrection power is at work in me today, giving me strength, peace, and purpose.

Romans 5:6-8 (ESV)
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I am a weak vessel. I feel this everyday as I strive to be more like my Savior. If it were up to me to EARN my way to heaven, I would miserably fail! In fact, by the time I became aware of what the purity of God demands in His presence, I had already failed and sinned; reaping the wrath of God I so justly deserve.

This is not popular —- The world tells us that we are inherently good and that if we just focused on ourselves and respect who we are, we would be so much better off. This is simply not true…through Adam, we have been born into a sinful body and existence we cannot escape. BUT then, at just the right time for Jesus to enter the world, He came and lived a perfect life, taught us what our position is relative to the Father, and then sacrificially gave Himself as a ransom for us! He didn’t die for the good Ben Bourland, He died for the wretched, sinful, and weak Ben Bourland. The Ben Bourland and I am.

BUT NOW, because of that ransom that has been paid for me by Jesus, I stand in God’s amazing grace. God, because of His Son, has literally transformed my heart into one who out of a desperate love and gratitude, lives to honor, glorify, and praise God for all that He has completed. That love God displayed in sending His Son and God the Son enduring the cross for my Salvation, is not comprehendible. I only live Justified, because He lives…not only lives, but lives IN me.

APPLICATION

The truths of this passage are overwhelming! Some of this is so overwhelming that it is hard to comprehend how I, a lowly sinner, can receive such a gift. It is this heart condition that drives me into God’s Word everyday seeking to know God’s character and attributes so that the life I live here on this earth is one that points to the Savior Who rescued me. It is this mindset that has me seeking every opportunity to build relationships with hurting people, share the love of God as well as what He has done for us, and finally taking every opening I can to share the Gospel of this God Who has created a way, a way that is outside of any capability we have, to have everlasting life in the presence of the One Who ransomed us from our depravity.

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Looking back to yesterday, Paul begins Romans 5 by declaring that justification by faith brings peace with God through Jesus Christ. Because of this, we as believers now stand in grace and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

So the flow is:

Faith → Justification → Peace with God

Access to Grace → Hope in God’s Glory

This sets the foundation for verses 3–5, which shift the focus from future hope to present pain.

Paul makes a bold and counterintuitive claim: I rejoice in our sufferings. Why? Because suffering is not meaningless—it initiates and continues my spiritual growth process (Sanctification):

Suffering → Endurance Trials teach me to persevere, to keep going even when it’s hard.

Endurance → Character Perseverance shapes who I am. It refines me, showing me Who God is, and finally proving and strengthening my faith.

Character → Hope A tested and proven character leads to a deeper, more confident hope in God.

Hope → No Shame This hope is secure—it won’t disappoint me—because it’s anchored in God’s love, poured into my heart by the Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION

This passage teaches that suffering is not a detour from spiritual growth—it’s part of the journey. It’s not something to merely endure, but something that God uses to shape me.

I Need to Rejoice in Trials: Not because they’re pleasant, but because they’re purposeful. God is doing something in me through each one of them.

Trust the Process: Endurance builds character, and character strengthens hope. I can’t rush it—I need to let God work; God’s timing is perfect.

Lean on the Holy Spirit: I’m not alone. God’s Holy Spirit (the Helper) is actively present in my heart.

Live with Hope: This hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s a confident expectation rooted in God’s love and faithfulness.

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

Told you! One verse at a time. 🙂

This verse brings such comfort and at the same time directs our focus to exactly where it should be -> in hope of the glory of God.

I love the sentiment that Paul uses here in the term ‘Stand’. This refers to the permanent, secure position we as believers enjoy in God’s grace. The new creature in us strives to be more like God’s Son but in these fleshly bodies and on this sin cursed earth, we will falter…and when we do, we stand in this grace Paul talks about. Let that sink in for a moment. Once reconciled, always reconciled.

I want to address this “access”…this is something the OT Jews could never have fathomed. While it may be true that God showed Himself through awesome miracles and deliverance in the OT, this grace we have been given access to is something they never had. They needed to look to blood sacrifices to temporarily atone for their sin until that forbearance was completed in the shed blood of the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ.

Finally, we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. This kind of hope is different than the normal English word “hope”. This New Testament word comes with no uncertainty; it speaks of something that is certain, but not yet realized. Our destiny as believers is to share in the very glory of God and that Hope will be realized because Jesus has secured it!

APPLICATION

These promises are everything! Without these clear and certain promises of The Word of God, we would have no basis for hope. Knowing I STAND in this place of Grace, forever embraced by God to an eternity with Him, I can rejoice while I am here on earth. As we will see tomorrow, that rejoicing does not take condition on my circumstances or situations.

Peace with God Through Faith
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

Expect my speed to slow down over the next week or so because there is so much in every verse here in Chapter 5. These next 4 chapters are just packed full of goodness and theology about our faith in the Lord Jesus and what we reap through that faith.

Justification is a one time occurrence – At the moment of Salvation we are “Justified” and as we have learned in the preceding chapters, this by faith in Christ alone.

The title of this devotion is “Peace with God” because this is what Justification does. God has declared Himself to be at war with every human being because of humanity’s rebellion against Him and His laws. BUT, the first great result of justification is that the sinner’s war with God is ended forever. As we learned in church today, scripture refers to the end of this conflict as a person being reconciled to God.

APPLICATION

This peace with God is not some internal sense of calm and serenity, no, this peace is a real peace; an objective reality. Because of this, I have an eternal hope that is connected to this peace with God that goes beyond good relations with God…He sees me like He sees His own Son. In this peace, I have an inheritance that is unimaginable. Lord God, first, thank You for Your Word that you have given us that is Your voice, Your message, and Your truth. Resting on passages just like this one gives a level of gratefulness and hope in my future that is secured by the most powerful being in the entirety of what there is to know (Space, Cosmos, etc).