What role does Jesus Christ play in the reign of grace in Romans 5:21? The Text That Frames Our Study “so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness, leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 5:21 Grace’s Throne Is Christ Himself • Grace does not rule as an abstract force; it reigns “through Jesus Christ our Lord.” • Every benefit of grace flows through His person and work, never apart from Him. • Colossians 1:19–20 confirms this channel: “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things.” From Adam’s Failure to Christ’s Triumph • Romans 5:12–19 contrasts two representatives: – Adam → sin’s entry, condemnation, death. – Christ → obedience, justification, life. • Because Christ obeyed perfectly, He provides the righteousness that empowers grace to reign (v. 19). The Cross Anchors Grace’s Legality • Grace reigns “through righteousness,” meaning God remains just (Romans 3:26). • At Calvary, Jesus satisfied divine justice, securing the legal foundation for grace to flow freely (1 Peter 3:18). The Resurrection Extends Grace’s Dominion • Christ’s victory over death guarantees “eternal life” (Romans 5:21). • Because the risen Lord lives forever, grace’s reign is unending (Hebrews 7:25). Jesus, the Mediator of a Better Covenant • Hebrews 8:6 — He mediates a covenant “established on better promises,” ensuring continual grace. • John 1:16 — “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” What This Means for Believers • We stand under grace, not law (Romans 6:14). • We “reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17). • Grace trains us to live godly lives (Titus 2:11-12), evidencing Christ’s ongoing rule in our hearts. Summing Up Christ’s Role • Source: All grace originates in His redemptive work. • Channel: Grace reaches us exclusively “through” Him. • King: His righteousness enthrones grace, dethroning sin. • Guarantee: His resurrection secures the eternal scope of grace’s reign. Grace reigns because Jesus Christ reigns. Where He is honored, grace is sovereign; where He is received, life abounds forever. |
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