Romans 5:18: 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.
Both death and life were the result of one act: one an act of sin, the other an act of righteousness. The condemnation of the former and the blessing of the latter flow to all who are “in” their representative head. All human beings are in Adam physically, so all die. But not all human beings are in the second Adam spiritually, so not all live. Those descendants of the first Adam for whom “there is now no condemnation” are those who are in the second Adam, “in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). And the way a descendant of the first Adam gets to be “in” the second Adam is by receiving “God’s abundant provision of grace”. 1
Adam disobeyed a direct command; so his act is accurately termed a trespass. But Christ lived and died in obedience to the full implication of God’s grace, and so His sacrifice can be called an act of righteousness. 2
Application
- Why is sin so offensive to God?
- Why is justification so resisted by mankind?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for not giving up on me. When I deserved condemnation, You justified me.
1. Boa, K., & Kruidenier, W. (2000). Romans (Vol. 6). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2. Shields, B. (1988). Romans: Unlocking the Scriptures for You. Cincinnati, OH: Standard.
