15. Romans 5:12-17 - The Role of Adam and Christ

Adam’s disobedience brought sin and death into the world, affecting all people, while Christ’s obedience and sacrifice brought grace, justification, and life. Through this comparison, Paul emphasizes the overwhelming grace of God and the abundance of the gift of salvation. 

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For 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.

• Sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and his disobedience caused death to spread to all people because all have sinned (v. 12). Even though the law hadn’t yet been given, people still experienced the consequence of sin, which is death (v. 13-14). Adam’s action created a world where death reigned, even before the law explicitly defined sin.
  
  
• Functions and roles of the Law (v. 13): 

    - The Law makes clear what sin is. Even before the Law was given, sin existed, but people did not fully recognize its seriousness. The Law reveals sin, helping individuals understand their state before God.
     - Paul states that "where there is no law, there is no transgression" in Romans 4:15. This indicates that the Law serves to identify and define sin, helping people understand how their actions are assessed in light of God's standards.
    - The Law highlights the seriousness of sin, leading people to recognize their need for a Savior. This ultimately emphasizes the necessity of Jesus Christ for salvation.  

In short, through the Law, sinners recognize their transgressions against God's perfect commandments, admit their sins, and comprehend their need for a Savior.

• Adam’s one act of disobedience led to the death of many, but Christ’s obedience and sacrifice on the cross bring the opportunity for life to many more. The gift of salvation is not merely undoing the damage caused by sin, but it goes beyond that, offering justification and new life(v. 15). While one sin brought judgment, the gift of grace covers countless sins and results in justification before God(v. 16).

• Those who receive God’s abundant grace and the gift of righteousness through faith in Jesus can experience a transformation in their lives, achieving victory over sin and death and living empowered lives through Him(v. 17).  

Sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and this truth reminds me that my sin can lead to spiritual death and separation from God, impacting not only my personal life but also my relationships within the community.

While Adam’s sin brought death, Christ’s obedience brings life to all who accept His gift. I am reminded that God’s grace is greater than any sin I could ever commit. Though sin is powerful, grace is even more powerful. This fills me with hope and confidence that, no matter how often I fall short, God’s grace is sufficient to forgive and restore me.

Paul’s comparison between Adam and Christ also underscores the urgency of the gospel. Everyone is affected by Adam’s sin, but not everyone has embraced the gift of grace through Christ. I am called to share this message of hope and grace with those still living under the reign of death. Christ’s gift is available to all, and it’s my responsibility to make this known to others.

So, I will share the gospel with others, helping them recognize the hope and life that can be found in Christ alone, through the grace and gift given by God.

Dear God,
Thank You for the incredible gift of Your grace that far outweighs the devastating effects of sin. I recognize the seriousness of sin, and I confess that I am powerless to overcome it on my own. I am grateful for Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose obedience brings life to all who accept His gift.

Help me to understand how my sin can lead to spiritual death and separation from You, affecting not only my life but also my relationships within my community.
I feel the urgency of the gospel. I know that everyone is impacted by Adam’s sin, but not all have embraced the gift of grace through Christ. I ask for Your guidance and courage to share this message of hope and grace with those around me who are still living under the reign of death.

Lord, help me to be a vessel of life, spreading the gospel and bringing hope rather than transmitting the death that comes from sin. Empower me to boldly proclaim the message of life found in Christ alone. May Your grace flow through me as I seek to make Your gift known to all.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.