July 27

so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. — Rom 5:21 BSB

This is the mercy for mourning believers who are burdened by their sinful nature, that God has ordained grace not only to reign but to absolutely reign. If it were up to us, we couldn’t free ourselves from sin any more than the Israelites could deliver themselves from slavery in Egypt. But they sighed and groaned because of their bondage, and their cries reached God. He remembered His covenant, looked upon them, and delivered them (Exodus 2:23-25). In the same way, God has determined that sin will not destroy His people forever. It will not lead them into deeper and deeper sin until they are lost in eternal destruction. Instead, grace “will reign through righteousness leading to eternal life.”

But grace must reign here and now, not just in the future. Its reign here secures its eternal victory. It must conquer our proud hearts and continue ruling until it achieves complete and unconditional victory within us. Every true believer longs for this to happen. They yearn to embrace Jesus and be embraced by Him in love and affection. As the hymn says,

“But now subdued by sovereign grace,
My spirit longs for Your embrace.”

They hate sin, even though it works in them constantly, always trying to regain control. They despise the cruel master who once made them do the vilest deeds, deceiving them with false promises and repeatedly dragging them into captivity. If not for sovereign grace, this master would have sealed their eternal doom. Now, subdued by mercy, they long for grace to rule every part of their soul and body. They pray, “O, let grace reign in my heart; don’t let any sin have control over me; tame every unruly desire, and bring every thought captive to Christ!” So the person who truly fears God looks to grace, not just for salvation, but for sanctification; not just for forgiveness of sin, but for its defeat; not just for an inheritance among the saints, but to be made fit for it.