Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
— Romans 5:12-21

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Substance From My Substitution
by Jennifer Kane

A dash of mercy in my bowl,
A cup of love to make me whole.
The bitterness of sin erased—
Replaced with sweetness, stirred by grace.

The oil of joy, the flour of peace,
Kneaded through trials, my doubts decrease.
The fire refines; the fragrance shows,
How Christ’s pure heart through mine now flows.

Where ruin reigned, redemption came,
No longer lost, I bear His name.
From Adam’s fall to Heaven’s feast—
I’m made new through Christ, my Substitute and Priest.

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Scripture: Romans 5:12-21

Any home cook knows the feeling—you’re halfway through a recipe when you realize you’re missing a key ingredient. Panic sets in until inspiration strikes: What if I substitute something else? Sometimes that simple swap doesn’t just save the dish—it transforms it. A dash of lemon instead of vinegar, applesauce for oil, Greek yogurt for cream—each substitution can make the end result lighter, richer, or even more nourishing than before.

In a sense, our world was once like that ruined recipe. Through Adam’s sin, humanity’s perfect creation was spoiled. The sweetness of fellowship with God was replaced by the bitterness of separation and death. No matter how we tried to fix it—through law, effort, or good deeds—we couldn’t restore the original flavor of righteousness.

But God, the Master Chef of creation, didn’t throw away the recipe. He introduced a divine substitution: Jesus Christ. Where Adam brought disobedience, Jesus brought obedience. Where sin added bitterness, grace added sweetness. Through Christ’s perfect life and sacrificial death, God didn’t just replace what was lost—He elevated it into something greater. We weren’t merely brought back to “good enough”; we were made new, infused with His righteousness.

Think of how substitutions work in cooking:
Butter for oil adds richness.
Applesauce for sugar brings natural sweetness.
Whole grains for white flour offer nourishment and depth.

Each one transforms the dish in character and health—just as Christ’s substitution changes the very essence of who we are. In Him, we gain not only forgiveness but a new identity, a richer purpose, and a deeper connection to the Source of all goodness.

When you cook or bake next, pause and thank God for the beauty of substitution. Let it remind you that where sin once reigned, grace now reigns through righteousness leading to eternal life (Romans 5:21).

This week, try making a recipe with a healthy or creative substitution—then meditate on how Christ substituted Himself for you.

Ask yourself: What part of my life still feels like a ruined recipe in need of grace?

How might I invite Jesus to transform it—making it new, nourishing, and full of His flavor?

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Father God, thank You for not discarding me when sin spoiled the life You intended for me. Thank You for sending Jesus as the perfect substitution—one that didn’t just replace my brokenness, but redeemed and elevated it. Help me live as one made new in Your grace, showing others that Your divine substitutions always create something beautiful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

October 18 2025