Having previously discussed the concept of salvation through faith rather than works or the law, the apostle Paul now simplifies the process by which, through faith, sinners are made righteous through Jesus Christ.
First Paul defines sin as having entered the world through Adam, a creation of God. Adam gave in to temptation which lead to his death , in turn both sin and death would find all descendants of Adam.
“12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)
Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, no one is righteous in the eyes of the Lord. Nor the Law or works can save, only faith in Jesus Christ leads to eternal life.
Paul now addresses sin before the law of Moses. Since there was no law before Moses, sin before the Mosaic law was not imputed.
“13 For before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law.” (Romans 5:13)
Though there was no law from the dawn of time until Moses, there was death beginning with Adam because of his sin which condemns all men.
“14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.” (Romans 5:14)
Through sin Adam brought on God’s wrath which is death to be cast upon all men in spite of the fact there was no law to disobey from Adam to Moses. The original law given to Adam instructed him not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil which he broke.
“15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!” (Romans 5:15)
Here Paul describes the gift of eternal life, the gift of forgiveness made possible through Jesus Christ. The trespass is the sin of Adam and that of all those who sinned since which was punished by death. The gift is salvation through God’s grace found in faith, in acceptance that Jesus is Lord.
“16 Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification.” (Romans 5:16)
Adam’s sin brought judgment and condemnation while the sin of all men since can be washed away by the blood of Christ which brought justification, or righteousness made possible through faith.
“17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17)
Paul now compares death, the condemnation that came from Adam’s sin and life, the abundant gift that flows from Jesus Christ through His death on the cross.
“18 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.” (Romans 5:18)
Paul’s comparison clearly shows the power of righteousness over evil, of life over death. While the sin of one man brought death, the righteousness of another man brings eternal life. Jesus’ sacrifice casts a shadow over sin according to God’s abundant mercy and grace.
“19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19)
Here the apostle brings forth the truth, that disobedience brings wrath while obedience bares fruit. Righteousness is the harvest that stems from obedience according to the word and will of God almighty.
“20 The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:20-21)
Through the law given to Moses sin was imputed or charged to sinners’ accounts to be judged according to the law. Because of the law the account of sin increased. Through God’s grace and the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, salvation has also increased.
Since the deliverance from bondage to the law of Moses all men are equally loved by God and through faith in Jesus Christ, we are presented with the gift of eternal life.
Adam brought on death through sinful disobedience while Jesus, through perfect obedience brings life to sinners. Honor God and Christ in your life by resisting temptation and striving for righteousness as you walk the narrow path that leads to heaven. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
