A Marvelous Gift

The judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift... resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. — Romans 5:16-17

What is the most special gift you’ve ever received? Did you receive it on your birthday, for Christmas, or on another occasion? Through the years I’ve received some amazing gifts, but Jesus is the most marvelous gift ever given. And it is the most needed gift ever given. The apostle Paul taught that by one man — Adam — sin entered the world, and death was pronounced upon all, for in Adam all have sinned. On the other hand, grace entered the world through Jesus, and a forgiven life and eternal life are available to all who believe. Adam brought into the world sin, offense, judgment, condemnation, disobedience, and eternal death.

Yet Christ brought grace, justification, righteousness, obedience, and eternal life.

Christ’s death saved us from God’s wrath. We now live with hope of eternal life rather than under the curse of death. We rejoice in God who, in His Son, atoned for our sins. Our justification is complete and irrevocable; there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. And Paul confidently wrote that “he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). What a marvelous gift! Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus. Thank You that because of Him I will one day stand before You cleansed of my sin, welcomed by You, and not condemned. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~ Dr. Lee Sheppard, Mabel White Baptist Church, Macon, GA Excerpted with permission from The Gift of Jesus by Johnny Hunt, copyright Thomas Nelson.

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Your Turn

It's not yet Christmas, but we've already received the best gift of all time — Jesus! Come share your thoughts on the most marvelous gift. We want to hear from you about fully receiving Jesus... really embracing Him this Christmas! ~ Devotionals Daily