Romans 5:12-21 October 2015Parkview Univ.

Think dramatic voice over: “In a world where there was no sin, a world where there was only good, one man and one woman made one choice that changed everything.”

So what do we know for sure:

1. Sin came into the world through one man (“just as” in verse 12).2. Death [came into the world] through sin – there’s no verb in the Greek.3. Death spread to all people, because all have sinned.

Paul’s argument is that through the sin of Adam, sin came down to us all and, as an added bonus!, death came with this sin. (6:23)

Paul then adds the caveat in verse 13, that reminds us that judgment for sin is tied to the law. So before the law sin was in the world but there was no accounting for the sin. Since the coming of the law, sin is now defined and there is an accounting. (3:19-20)

So not only did Adam and Eve experience the consequences of sin (death) but so now do we all! (vs 14) Paul also states that Adam’s sin is not like our sin. In Paul’s theology we all are born with the urge to sin due to the sin of Adam. However, Adam did not have that urge. Before the Fall Adam has been sinless and without an “occupying force in his flesh”. This is a necessary statement as Paul launches into his comparison of Adam and Jesus. Both brought something into this world that affected everyone. They were both “first” in a sense. Adam brought sin into the world but Jesus brought a gift. Under Adam death multiplied because all have sinned; with Jesus, grace multiplied as God’s gift of forgiveness was offered to everyone (5:15). However, that’s where the comparison stops! There is a fundamental difference between the gift and the Adam! Adam’s act led to condemnation for that one sin, however, Jesus’ act led to the free gift covering many sins. So the cause and effect is different between the two.

Comparison of ResultsAdam Jesus

1. Judgment following one sin brought 1. Free gift following many sins condemnation. brought justification. (vs 16)

2. Due to Adam’s sin, death reigned. 2. Due to Jesus, life reigns. (vs 17)3. Adam’s one sin leads to condemnation 3. Jesus’ one act (cross) leads to

condemnation for all men. Justification and life for all men. (vs 18)

4. Adam’s disobedience made many sinners 4. Jesus’ obedience made many righteous. (vs 19)

Paul then puts forth a “loaded” statement in verse 20 that will continue to be unpacked in the next two chapters through a series of rhetorical questions.

In God’s economy sin results in death for all who are heirs of Adam but, for those who find salvation, grace overcomes sin. Even if sin increases, grace will increase even more. Grace results in righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus. (vs 21)