GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN

Dearly Beloved, GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:20-21 NKJV). What is grace? Simply, grace is unmerited favour granted by God to undeserving sinners that come to Him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This grace, which is a key concept in the Christian faith, is far greater than the sinners’ sins (see Roman 5:20-21). This is the message that Julia Harriet Johnston (1849-1919) communicated in her popular hymn, GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN. Julia was a daughter of a Presbyterian minister. She was very active in Sunday school in her church also in the Presbyterian Missionary Society of Peoria, Illinois, USA. Julia Johnston saw this grace as a marvelous one of a loving God. In spite of the fact that man’s sin makes him guilty before God, and this makes man to be in despair and tries to come to God on his terms, the grace is far greater than any sin or guilt that anyone may have. It is the product of the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross of Calvary. The blood washes away every stain of sin and makes the sinner white as snow. Julia underscored that this grace is marvelous, infinite and matchless, and it is freely bestowed on all who believe in Jesus Christ. Having highlighted the entrance of sin into mankind through Adam that brought about judgment, and the righteousness that came through the obedience of Jesus Christ, Apostle Paul hinted that the grace of God is far greater than the sin (see Romans 5:12-21). Without this grace, no one can be saved. Only those that come through faith to God through Jesus Christ can have it. It is not by human efforts (see Ephesians 2:5-10). However, grace may be far greater than any sin, it is never a license to sin. Apostle Paul emphatically said that we cannot continue in sin and expect that the grace of God will abound (see Romans 6:1-2). The fact that we have the grace of God should make us to strive to live a sinless life. Anyone that has had the grace of God will not continue to sin (see 1 John 3:7-9). What a great opportunity we have: to have a grace that is far greater than our sins! However, do you have this grace? Remember, it is an undeserved favour that you can have through faith in Jesus Christ. Or, are you still trying to get it through your human efforts? You are invited to receive this grace. Have you yielded this invitation? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that the grace of God will abound in your life, and that you will not misuse this grace.