For just as through one man’s disobedience [his failure to hear, his carelessness] the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one Man the many will be made righteous and acceptable to God and brought into right standing with Him. But the Law came to increase and expand [the awareness of] the trespass [by defining and unmasking sin]. But where sin increased, [God’s remarkable, gracious gift of] grace [His unmerited favor] has surpassed it and increased all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness which brings eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I work with a lot of companies on their workers compensation insurance programs through my insurance brokerage in town. When we work with these companies, we bring in “loss improvement” services. We actually have an executive whose job is help prevent employee injuries. We do this through education, incentive programs, policies, and corrective actions. In initial training, we teach clients how to think like a safety engineer. I say, “Think of the most clumsy, accident-prone, foolish, “corner-cutting” person you know. How could they get hurt in your company, around your equipment, using your premises, etc. Then reverse engineer the safety for your company from there.”

In our heart, the Bible teaches that we were the ones collectively and individually causing all of the sin problems in life. We were throwing a wrench it the works of life as God had designed it. To truly understand sin, we must understand righteousness. If you were to go around and ask your friends to define “a righteous person”, what would they say? Would not 8 out of 10 of them typically speak about the good things this person does? In Israel, when God called the prophet/priest Samuel to replace the evil King Saul and anoint David, Acts tells us: “After removing Saul, he made David their King. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’” (Acts‬ ‭13:22‬) And David was called “A friend of God”. But how can this be? He slept with his subordinate’s wife and had him killed to cover it up. His commander was faithful and loyal to him and his country; and he still had him killed and stole his wife. How could David be “righteous” and a friend of God? It is because of his heart. He had a good heart and he repented of his sin. And out of this good heart, came good actions, for the most part. And when he fell into evil, he repented and returned to God in full surrender. THE HEART CONDITION MATTERS MOST to God. Jesus said, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”‭‭ (Luke‬ ‭6:45‬)

So coming back to our passage, we see that Adam introduced sin and unrighteousness. And overall mankind did not care deeply enough in their hearts to follow God. I did not care deeply enough in my heart to follow God. But that was BEFORE THE GIFT, before I wholeheartedly believed. After Jesus came and lived a perfect life, the era of righteousness by faith reigned. And those who actively believed/believe on Jesus’ name, they are DECLARED RIGHTEOUS! In God’s massive and uncontainable grace for us, he sent Jesus … and Jesus came. And Jesus came to save! And save us he did! Grace, amazing grace, was given so you and I could be righteous in God’s eyes. Have you ever felt as if you don’t measure up in this world to the expectations placed on you? I sure have. Receive God’s grace and accept Jesus as your Savior. You will be saved not on your own strength, but on the power and strength of The Gift of Jesus. He is the perfect sacrifice to redeem our lost hearts.

Lord, thank you that you set the standard for righteousness high. You expect great things from me. You want not only my attempts at being good, you want my whole heart — fully committed to you. Jesus made a way for me to be righteous in your eyes. I receive your grace. Use me today, beyond my abilities, to be a Grace Dispenser for you!