Act One!

I enjoy live stage productions whether they be professional, semi-professional community productions, or student actors in a school play. When our children were in school we would attend their productions each night. Such productions are generally composed of many scenes within several acts which all together may either simply entertain or convey a POWERFUL story.

When it comes to the varied scenes of life, it is possible for one single act to produce a POWERFUL outcome. Lives can be drastically and forever changed for either good or bad by the single act of one individual. A single act can produce dire consequences or bring about hope beyond measure.

In the fifth chapter of Romans Paul provided a dynamic contrast between the actions of two men: Adam and Christ. We may wonder how Adam could disobey as he did when he lived in the paradise of God. Nevertheless, he did and sin has reigned since that time. But praise God for the hope that has been provided through Christ, the Son of God.

Paul summed up his contrast in the following verses.
“(18) Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so ONE ACT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS LEADS TO JUSTIFICATION AND LIFE for all men. (19) For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so BY THE ONE MAN’S OBEDIENCE THE MANY WILL BE MADE RIGHTEOUS.” ( Romans 5:18-19 ESV)

The “one trespass” of Adam brought about the hardship of labor, the dealing with thorns, the facing of death, and expulsion from the paradise of God. ( Genesis 3:17-19 & 24). Sin separates from God. Therefore Paul spoke of the condemnation which came by the one trespass of Adam. On the other hand, the POWERFUL act of Christ brought about the means of our reconciliation to God ( Romans 5:10-11), justification, and life. Without Christ we would not have this hope.

Through the one act of the first man, mankind was left with a dilemma we could not remedy ourselves. However, the POWERFUL provision produced by the one act of Christ on the cross is sufficient to rescue us from the wrath of God ( Romans 5:9) Let us praise God for the glorious provision we have in Christ as we press on in acts of righteousness to His glory. Because of Christ we have an eternal hope associated with a heavenly scene.

Have a great day ALLOWING CHRIST AND RIGHTEOUSNESS TO REIGN IN YOUR LIFE!
Carl

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