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 Romans 5 - First Things First


In this passage, God explains sin, condemnation, and right standing with God.  God defines what’s essential, the most critical thing - eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God explains that everyone is condemned to die because of sin.  It is a condition of being human.  It is, in my estimation, essential not to gloss over this point.  It does not matter who you are: Jew, Muslim, rich, poor, intelligent, dumb as a bag of hammers, generous, old, young, woman, or man, each person is utterly, helplessly destined to die - and to eternal life separated from God.  And yet, each is equally loved by God. He made us all. He loves us all. His offer of salvation is for every person. Mark God’s word: “God does not show favoritism” (2:11).  We must put things first and get right with God.

God shows us and tells us how to do this.  We have to put our faith in his Son, who shed his blood for our sins; we are saved through the life of God’s Son.  Jesus alone rescues human beings from this evil world.

As we’ll discuss next time in Romans 6, God’s way requires responsibility.  Each day is a choice.  But even having the ability to “choose a good reputation” (Proverbs 22:1) requires right standing with God.  God provides His free gift of eternal life and friendship.  This is the responsibility of the First Thing: faith in God’s Son, the Messiah, the Savior.  God will not force you to be his friend; that would not be friendship.  He requires you to decide whether or not you trust how much He loves you and what He has done and is doing.  God’s offer stands today: right standing with God, friendship with God, and eternal life with God.  Put first things first and accept God’s gift of salvation today.

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to help me when I was utterly helpless.  Thank you for your gift of forgiveness.  I know you require us to have faith for righteousness.  I trust you, Jesus.

May many, many more decide today to become friends of God by trusting His Son for eternal life.  Amen.



Coaching Abe

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