29. Grace Reigns
Romans 5:20 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Once sin reigned unto death; now grace reigns unto life. This promise comes into our life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Grace reigns through righteousness, that is, through the righteousness of God that was earned by Christ and given to us freely by God.
Grace is king. Grace is the Supreme Court. There is no overturning the decree of the king and there is no further appeal to a higher court. Grace is the final and the eternal authority. When Grace speaks everything else must keep silent.
Grace rules our lives. Sin is no longer the king, telling us what to do; Satan no longer has the authority of the prince of the power of the air, and Death is not the Final Verdict. When we do fall under the power of sin, the accusation of the Devil, and the fearful threat of Death, we have another court of appeal, we have a Higher Authority: Grace. Say what you want, but what does Grace say? Do your worst to me, and I will turn to Grace. Give me your best shot; I have Grace on my side. Grace is boss.
Grace tells me what to do, good things; grace gives me words to say, good words; grace leads me in the right way, a good path; grace does everything good. I gladly and willingly place myself under grace and follow grace, here, there, and to the ends of the earth, now, tomorrow, and to the end of time. I trust grace to always do and say the right and good things and to be a good ruler. I can believe and live according to the promises of grace. I can trust that giving grace always wins and never loses.
As a sinful human being I naturally resist rule and authority. But grace has gently, yet powerfully, coaxed me to willingly and gladly accept its reign in my life. Blessing is guaranteed to come to those who receive grace and also give it. Grace does a far greater and better job of running my life that I could. I surrender to grace, for it is good. God is good; the God of Grace is always good. It reigns unto eternal life.