In Romans 5:17 there is a comparative between the one man Adam through whom sin and death came and the one Savior, Jesus Christ through whom we may “receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness.”   The assurance of the Scripture is that just as through one man condemnation may be assured how much more is the free gift of righteousness assured by Jesus Christ.  This is a very comforting passage of Scripture.  God loved us and sent his son that we may be saved (John 3:16).

We also learn from the Scripture that though the gift is free, it must be received.  The word received (lambano) is active meaning to “lay hold upon.”  Though the gift is free, we must lay hold upon it if we are to have the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness (justification).  All men will benefit from the sacrifice of Christ in that all will be resurrected from the dead (John 5:28-29), however in order for us to be justified and receive the “abundance of grace” we must take action.

Have you taken hold of this free gift through obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:17-18).