Romans Part 3 - LIFEಮಾದರಿ

Grace

In Romans 5:12-21, the Apostle Paul is juxtaposing (definition: compare side by side, contrast) the one sin of Adam, and the one act of Christ's obedience to death on the cross. Death and condemnation came through the one act of Adam, and life through the one act of Christ.

We can see how the two events are similar: each was performed by one person; they had immediate and ongoing consequences for mankind; neither was to be repeated or copied. However, in verse 15. Paul says,

“The free gift is not like the offense.”

Verse 15 alone is not helpful for a complete understanding of what Paul is saying. There are similarities between the two events and their effect on all of mankind. But, Paul says,“Yes, they are similar, but let me show you how much greater the act of grace is!”

He wants to magnify Christ and to show us how much more powerful, more complete, more loving, more incomparably gracious, and permanent this one act is.

The following are some of the differences that Paul points out:

-The sin of Adam brought death, but “the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ” not only restored man to his innocence, but it also provided the way for man to share in the full righteousness and glory of God. We are imputed with the righteousness of Christ!

-One sin from Adam was enough to cause the fall of the entire human race. The one act of grace was greater than all of the accumulated sins, past, present, and future.

-The power of sin (death) can be broken. But the power of grace (Christ) cannot be broken. (See 2 Timothy 1:10)

-Since the power of sin can be broken and changed by Christ, grace is greater because sin and death can never take away our salvation. We are secure in Him forever. In this way, the “free gift” is not like the offense; it is incomparably greater.

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)

-Mike Vander Dussen