“For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
Romans 5:17 AMPC
We REIGN in life through Jesus Christ!
Romans 5:17 says because of the trespass of one man, Adam, death reigned, yet how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through Jesus Christ. Grace is the unmerited favor that Christ offers to everyone who will simply say “yes”. Righteousness means “right standing with God”. God sees us as righteous. Hallelujah!
So what does this mean? As Christians, you no longer have to continue to be ruled by the devil, sin, sickness, poverty, fear, and bondage. You do not have to go through life this way until you finally make it into Heaven. The Apostle Paul said we have the authority to rule and reign and have dominion in our life—in the life we have here and now!
Some of you might think or say, “Well, I’m not reigning and I don’t see very many people ruling and reigning in life.” I understand how you feel. One reason is that this truth hasn’t been proclaimed or taught in some Christian settings.
Hosea 4:6 says God’s “people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Inferring that if God’s people had knowledge of who they really are in Christ, of who God is, and of the rights and privileges of their dominion—they wouldn’t be destroyed. Many times Christians think Jesus is going to do everything for them; they do not realize they have a part to play. Often, we struggle and reason within our minds when faced with life’s challenges because we do not realize the authority that has been given to every believer and Satan exploits that.
Jesus conquered sin and death so that we might reign in life. The idea of reigning carries the thought of ruling, of dominion, and of having authority. You have received: abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness that enables you to reign over sickness and disease, poverty, emotions, anxiety, and bondage to fear. If you don’t know what you’ve received, you’ll be hindered in reigning.
Don’t be discouraged. It is possible to exercise a kingly dominion in our lives. According to Romans 5:17, “reigning in life” is available to those who receive it! It’s for those who “receive” God’s free gift of grace and gift of right standing. To “receive” is the opposite of striving, working for, earning or deserving. We don’t have to strive; we just need to receive what Jesus has done.
The potential to reign in life is good news!
The Father wants His children to reign in life. Receive it! Claim it and take hold of God’s abundant grace and His free gift of right standing by faith and watch your life enter a new dimension in the Spirit!
Blessings!
BEYOND CHURCH WALLS 