Your Choice – Greg Laurie Devotion – June 3, 2026

Biblical Context

The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of Christians who became one of Jesus’ most dedicated followers. He wrote this letter to the believers in Rome around 57–58 AD, likely from Corinth during his third missionary journey. Paul hadn’t visited the Roman church yet, but he knew its importance. He sent this letter to lay out the full truth of the gospel, explaining how people are made right with God, and what that means for how we live. Romans 5 picks up right after Paul has spent chapters explaining humanity’s sin and God’s powerful answer through Jesus Christ. It’s all about the amazing results you get when you’re declared righteous by God.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the phrase “made right” from Romans 5:1. In the original Greek, this comes from the word dikaioō (δικαιόω). This word means to declare or treat someone as righteous; to justify them. It doesn’t mean you’re *made* good inside (that’s sanctification, a different process). Instead, it’s a legal verdict from God. You’re acquitted, declared innocent, as if you’d never sinned at all. You’re set free from the penalty of sin. It’s a gift from God, something you don’t earn, and it changes everything about your standing with Him.

Peace with God Through Faith

The scripture starts by telling us, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Romans 5:1 NLT). Think about what that means for you. Because of your faith in Jesus, you don’t have to face God as an enemy anymore. You get peace with Him. It’s not a peace you earned; it’s a gift that comes from what Jesus did for all of us. Because you’ve put your trust in Him, you’re brought into this amazing place. It’s a “place of undeserved privilege where we now stand,” and it makes you feel confident and joyful about what’s coming next: “we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” (Romans 5:2 NLT). That’s a strong hope we hold on to.

The Gospel’s Surprising Math

The arithmetic of the gospel is fascinating, isn’t it? It says, “If you’re born once, you’ll die twice. If you’re born twice, you’ll die once.” If that seems confusing to you, you’re in good company. Nicodemus, a notable Jewish scholar and leader in Jesus’ day, asked, “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” (John 3:4 NLT). What this means is simple: when you’re “born once,” that’s just your physical birth. But when you’re “born twice,” it means you’ve had a physical birth *and* a spiritual birth, a time when you put your faith in Christ and are born again.

Two Births, Two Deaths

Just as there are two births, the Bible teaches that there are two deaths: one is physical, and the other is spiritual. Jesus warned that we are to fear the second death more than the first one. That’s a serious warning. The Bible tells us plainly what this second death is.

Revelation 20:14 tells us, “Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death” (NLT). The second death is mentioned again in Revelation 21:8, which says, “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death” (NLT). The second death is Hell.

It’s been said, “The second death is the continuance of spiritual death in another and timeless existence.” Thomas Watson wrote, “Eternity to the godly is a day that has no sunset; eternity to the wicked is a night that has no sunrise.” Jesus Himself spoke of Hell in a very specific way. He warned of the fire of Hell (see Matthew 5:22). He warned about our bodies being thrown into Hell (see Matthew 5:29). And He warned of the soul and the body being destroyed in Hell (see Matthew 10:28). These are not light words; they’re warnings meant to get our attention.

Forgiveness and Salvation for Everyone

The good news is that “The Bible teaches that all Christians—that is, sinners who have been forgiven and saved because they put their faith in Jesus Christ—will be in Heaven. And that offer of forgiveness and salvation is extended to everyone.” It’s an open invitation. You don’t have to face that second death. Remember what the apostle Paul wrote: “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory” (Romans 5:1–2 NLT).

Your Choice, Our Mission

Your eternal destination is really your choice. Not everyone will be saved in the end—only those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. That’s the message God has entrusted to every believer, to you and to me. It’s a message we must spread. So, who in your circle of acquaintances needs to hear about the forgiveness and salvation that Jesus offers? Think about that for a moment. It’s an important question we all need to answer with action.