“Saved By Grace Alone!”

At a cursory glance we may say “where there is no law, there is no sin”(cf. Rom.5:13b). To this effect “the law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more…”
Whoever hears this likely draws a conclusion in the mind that since we are saved by grace alone, if grace increases the more where sin increases, then let us sin more so that grace can increase more. Preconceiving that this is the way we would conclude, Paul raises the question then, “Shall we go on sinning, so that grace may increase?” It’s not a rhetorical question! Paul’s answer is a categoric “By no means!”
What we understand is that the intensity of sin we were in leads us to appreciate the depth of redeeming grace. Like Jesus pointed out, when a creditor decided to cancel the debt of two debtors, the one who appreciated his favour more was the person who owed him a higher amount!
This is not to say when your creditor cancels your debt, you should come borrowing again with the hope that he would cancel the debt again in future! Far from this, grace comes to “reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”(Rom.5:18-21).
These lessons about sin, death, grace, righteousness and new life come to remind us that we are about to enter the season of Advent in which we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. He is the epitome of grace. He is grace incarnated! Grace is unbounded love manifested through sacrifice!
Our response to that love is to love him who first loved us in return!
The Christmas that we smell now is love that came down!
What amazing grace that found a wretch like me! Did it find you too?
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!