From the Reign of Sin and Death (in Adam) to the Reign of Righteousness and Life (in Christ) (Romans 5)

"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 (NIV)

Context

On Day 1 of this study, we discussed Paul’s repetition of “gospel” in the opening verses and suggested it is his main theme. You can check out the devotional for that day if you need a reminder.

However, many studies on Romans will emphasize “justification” (the legal metaphor we looked at on Day 4) and its declaration of righteousness over and above the gospel. While justification is incredibly important for Paul, it should be viewed as just one of the many amazing realities experienced by those who receive the gospel of Jesus by faith.

In Romans 5, Paul puts justification alongside other facets of the gospel’s power (Romans 1:16). In this way, he broadens his readers’ perspective on what Christ accomplished for them.

Observation

In Romans 5, Paul broadens the scope of what Christ’s work achieves for a believer. Take note of what Paul says:

• We have peace with God (Romans 5:1).
• We have hope of God’s glory (Romans 5:2-5).
• We are delivered from God’s wrath (Romans 5:9).
• We are reconciled with God (Romans 5:10-11).
• We have been transferred from the reign of death to the reign of life and grace (Romans 5:12-21).

Then, in Romans 5:12-21, Paul contrasts two different humanities: one that identifies “with” or “in” Adam and one that identifies “with Christ.”

In/with Adam:

• All sinned (Romans 5:12).
• Death came to all people (Romans 5:12).
• Death reigns (Romans 5:14).
• The judgment following Adam’s sin brings condemnation (Romans 5:16).

In/with Christ:

• God’s grace and its gift overflow to the many (Romans 5:15).
• God’s gift brings justification (Romans 5:16).
• Life and grace reign (Romans 5:17, 21).
• Through Christ’s one righteous act, many are made righteous (Romans 5:18-19).

Interpretation

In addition to being “declared righteous” in a courtroom, what else do readers learn that has been accomplished for a person who has faith in the work of Christ? How does this chapter give them an even bigger perspective of the power of the gospel?

Try to put yourself in the shoes of an original reader. Imagine moving from identifying “with Adam” to identifying “with Christ.” “In Christ,” you now live in a new realm than when you lived “in Adam”!

• How would understanding this impact your relationships with others in the church in Rome?
• How could it change the way you experience the temptation to sin?
• How might it affect your view of the way God looks at you?

Application

Think about how, along with your declaration of righteousness, you have moved into a new humanity “in Christ.” What are the implications of this for your relationships? Your experience of temptation to sin? Your view of the way God looks at you?

Do you live as if you were still “in Adam”? How could renewing your mind in this area of the gospel lead to personal transformation?