Yes, it is true that Romans 5 says that the Father treats every man as though he has never sinned because of what Christ accomplished on His cross for all men. Christ has taken every man’s sin upon Himself; Christ was “made to be sin for us, who knew no sin” (2 Cor. 5:21).
Therefore the Father has pronounced for “all men” a “judicial verdict of acquittal” (Rom. 5:16, REB).
But the question comes: “Does this not encourage ‘all men’ to continue sinning, for the Bible says, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Eccl. 8:11).
The idea is that the Father permits “evil men” to go on sinning if they choose, not that He encourages it but He permits it.
Why?
Because the Father wants a more pure kind of righteousness to be in His people: not one based on craven fear, but a righteousness that comes from a heart appreciation of the love (agape) of Christ in pouring Himself out unto death for us (Isa. 53:12), even our second death.
That love (agape) “constrains” us “henceforth” to live unto Him, not unto self (see 2 Cor. 5:14, 15).
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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