We all love a free gift and in Romans 5 v 12 to 21 Paul tells us not only what the free gift is, but how to get it. Having spoken about peace with God that is unlike anything in this world at the start of the chapter, he moves on to the next logical step. This peace can only come through Jesus Christ, whom he describes as not only a free gift, but the greatest gift we can ever receive!
In these 10 verses Paul speaks of the coming of three things to help us understand why we need to receive the free gift of Jesus and his salvation. The coming of sin in the first instance means we need a saviour because if we don't trust in Jesus then we will face the punishment for our sin. He then speaks of the coming of forgiveness through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection. Because of this we can know that our sin is dealt with.
The final coming he speaks of is of eternal life. This is the natural conclusion of the gospel. Faith in Christ brings us into the eternal presence of God. And this is the value of the gift. We are reminded that eternal life can only come through the grave, or when Christ returns. But eternity will come—it is a certainty. Is it yours?
Romans - The heart of the Gospel is a teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. Find out more at www.annalongpc.org/sermons.
