Dead to Sin, Living in Righteousness

II Chronicles 21:4–10

“When Jehoram established himself firmly over his father’s kingdom, he put all his brothers to the sword along with some of the officials of Israel. Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD. Nevertheless, because of the covenant the LORD had made with David, the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David. He had promised to maintain a lamp for him and his descendants forever. In the time of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against Judah and set up its own king. So Jehoram went there with his officers and all his chariots. The Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, but he rose up and broke through by night. To this day Edom has been in rebellion against Judah. Libnah revolted at the same time, because Jehoram had forsaken the LORD, the God of his ancestors.”

God keeps His promises irrespective of Judah’s faithfulness (v. 7), Living Life tells us “king Jehoram fails to serve and lead his people, but God withholds His anger. He remembers the covenant that He made with David, that He will not destroy his lineage. Despite His mercy, Jehoram continues his wicked reign”, and unto us His promise in Christ, someone greater than king David, is forever. But we do not squander the privilege and grace God has granted. “What then shall we say,” exclaims the Apostle Paul, “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer (Rom 6:1-2)?” Living Life reminds us, “May we learn from Jehoram’s mistakes, and thank God for His mercy and grace, and humble ourselves before Him,” since we also believe that we are liberated and encouraged, our infirmities such as the cycle of sin in our lives no longer hold power over us by the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, as the Apostle Peter said, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. "By His stripes you are healed (I Pet 2:24).”