Christ's Loving Arms

Romans 5:20 “The law came to make sin worse. But when sin grew worse, God’s grace increased” (NCV).

In reading KJV, it was difficult to grasp the meaning of it. In reading NCV, it was clearer yet it takes time to digest on the purpose of this verse. I found something interesting that I want to share as an illustration of a “ladder, the law” was all about.

As a sinner, separated from God, you see His law from below, as a ladder, we tried to climb to get to God. Maybe you have tried to climb it, only to fall to the ground every time you have advanced one or two steps. Or maybe you looked at the very high “ladder, the law” and it seems so overwhelming that it would be impossible to even start up. To the sinner, there is no hope that the “law” would rescue them from hell.

Thank God for His grace that was given to us. The more you tried to reach God through the “ladder of the law,” the more God’s merciful increased. God knows you would not make it through “the ladder of the law.” This is why Scripture quoted, “But when sin grew worse, God’s grace increased.” In another word, “When we tried so hard to obey all of the law, we failed.” This hurt God’s heart which is why He increased His grace with a hope that we finally realized that climb “the ladder of the law” could never saved us.

God’s grace increased is when you see Jesus offering with open arms to lift you above “the ladder of the law,” to take you directly to God! What a lovely picture of Christ’s loving arms reached you. Once Jesus lifts you into God’s presence, you are free to obey—out of love, not because you have to, but because you want to love Him. Jesus lifts you through God’s power, not your own. You know that if you stumble, you will not fall back to the ground. Instead, you will be caught and held in Christ’ loving arms.

Song: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

1. What a fellowship, what a joy divine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Chorus:

Lean - ing, lean - ing,

Safe and secure from all alarms;

Lean - ing, lean - ing,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

2. What have I to dread, what have I to fear,

Leaning on the everlasting arms?

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms. (Then chorus)

(Lyrics: Elisha Albright Hoffman, Sing His Praise)

May you be held in Christ’s loving arms today!