One Act Does So Much

One act or action can do so much more than just that act or action. I am sure that most of us are familiar with the ripple effect. One stone thrown into a body of water will effect the entire surface of the water, not just in the moment, but with the returning ripple as well. There is a lot time and effort needed to stop the ripple effect and without careful investigation, there may not be a way to see the lasting effects of those ripples than began with a single act.

This morning I am studying in Romans about “Death in Adam, Life in Christ”. The passage is titled as such for chapter five verses 12-21. Here I am reminded that the one act or sin of Adam had a lasting effect on all that came after him, with one exception of course, Jesus. Adam’s act of eating from the tree of knowledge was that which made sin known and led to death for all.

“¹²Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” — Romans 5:12 (ESV)

One bite of fruit (the single act) led to death. See the seeming innocence of the sin. Sin is sin and the result of it is the same, regardless of the gravity of it. Adam’s one act of sin rippled throughout and the lasting effects are still being felt.

Now that ripple effect is also felt thanks for the act of Jesus. He took on our sin and died (the single act) and provided a way to be justified. Thanks to the one act of sacrifice, I have been given a chance to experience glory in heaven. My sins, that began with Adam, are forgiven with the one act of Jesus for my sake. The ripple effect of Jesus’ act is felt continually.

Just imagine that same stone in water story, only now, there is a larger stone thrown into the water. The ripple caused by the first stone is overcome by the ripples of the larger stone. Jesus is that larger stone and His act was much more powerful than the small sin of Adam.

“¹⁷For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:17 (ESV)

One act, no matter the size, will affect many others and the actions they are taking themselves. Sin is a part of our lives thanks to the small act of Adam in the Garden of Eden. This led to death as the wages of that sin. Jesus’ act of sacrifice in our place provided the greater effect that overcomes sin for all.

“¹⁸Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.” — Romans 5:18 (ESV)

Jesus’ act, dying for our salvation, where it leads to justification, is one act that we have to understand and knowingly accept in order to gain that justification. I have to act myself to receive the gift that God has for me.

I have the ability to impact others based on my acts. I can choose to small acts that are easy, like taking a bite from fruit on a tree, or I can choose larger acts that are hard. Either way, I will impact others. The larger acts will have more impact although, they will need to be accepted as those acts. I choose the larger, harder acts.

What acts are you out there conducting? Are you taking the easy path and allowing it to ripple throughout? What if you were to choose the larger, harder acts and allowed those to cause a larger ripple once they are accepted?