Village Schools of the Bible

ROMANS: Heart & Soul of the Gospel
A Devotional Study of Romans
by Max Frazier, Jr.

ROMANS 5:12-21 - Salvation: Condemnation in Adam but Justification in Christ

This portion is a comparison and contrast between Adam and Christ. Our condemnation flows from Adam, but our justification flows from Christ. The key verse to this section is verse 14. The entire passage is an expansion of Paul's thoughts in First Corinthians 15:45.

The passage begins with Adam and ends with Christ (see verses 12 and 21). The passage includes six pairs of contrasts:

1. Adam and Christ (verses 14, 15)

2. Disobedience and Obedience (verse 19)

3. Sin and Righteousness (verse 21)

4. Law and Grace (verse 20)

5. Condemnation and Justification (verse 16)

6. Death and Life (verse 21)

The passage refers to four kings: 1) Death reigned (verse 14); 2) Sin reigned (verse 21); 3) Grace reigns (verse 21); and 4) Believers shall reign (verse 17).

The work of Christ is as deep as the work of Adam and is as far reaching in its effects. One phrase appears three times: "even so" (see verses 18, 19, 21). The effect of "even so" is to equate Christ's work with Adam's. But the work of Christ is greater. One phrase appears three times: "much more" (see verses 15, 17, 20).

Verse 12:

"Therefore" - Paul is about to sum up all that he has said about condemnation and justification. Sin has entered the world, but it did not come alone.

"Death through sin" - Sin and death always go together. Is death natural? No. Death is the most unnatural thing in the world, and it is possible to put your finger on the spot where it entered into the human race. God did not start out this world with death (see Genesis 2:17 and Genesis 3:19).

"Death came to all men" - Sin entered. Figure of a house, someone opens a door and enters and death moved into all the rooms of the house.

"Because all sinned" - Can sin exist without law? Yes (see Genesis 6:5-8). Sin is vastly greater than mere transgression of the law. Sin is lawlessness. It exists where there is no law. Return to Study Notes Index

Verse 15: Adam and Christ contrasted as to Quality

In Adam we got what we deserved - death. But, on the other hand, God gives the saved something they do not deserve.

Verse 16: Adam and Christ contrasted as to Quantity

The contrast here is between one offense and many offenses. (Example: a man takes a match to the woods to light one tree, therefore, one offense. As a result there is a great forest fire, therefore, many offenses. Suppose someone came and put the first out, therefore a greater thing). Condemnation came from one offense, but justification blots out forever millions and millions of offenses.

Verse 17: Adam and Christ contrasted as to Certainty

Reign of death is certain. Reign with Christ is also certain.

Verse 18: Adam and Christ compared - One Act

"So also the result of one act of righteousness." Comparison here between the judgment that came upon all men and the free gift that came unto all men. The one goes just as far as the other.

Verse 19: Adam and Christ compared - One Man

The comparison is to effects. If Adam's sin constituted all sinners, then Christ's obedience is going to constitute righteous all those who believe in Him.

Verse 20: the reign of grace

The law came in to show man how great a sinner he was. The law does not make a man a sinner, but it provokes sin and proves him to be a sinner.

Verse 21: Christ, Righteousness and Life

Verse 12: Adam Verse 21: Jesus Christ

Sin Righteousness

Death Life

Grace (this side is much more than the other because of grace)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS:

I notice in verses 15-17 a strong contrast between "the gift" and "the trespass." Both "the gift" and "the trespass" came into the world through the agency of one person: "the gift" through Jesus Christ, "the trespass" through Adam. The consequences of "the trespass" were judgment, condemnation, and death. The consequences of "the gift" were grace, justification, and life. The recipients of both "the gift" and "the trespass" were the many, including you and me.

Let's ask ourselves: how can a person receive either "the gift" or "the trespass?" Unfortunately we have to do absolutely nothing in order to receive "the trespass." That is part of our heritage. When we are born "the trespass" is part of who we are. David said that he was born in iniquity. In other words, sin or "the trespass" is as natural and universal for all peoples everywhere. But Paul has already emphasized this fact for us.

But what about "the gift?" As "the trespass" is inherited, so "the gift" must be received. As "the trespass" is something with which we are born, so "the gift" is something that we must receive from someone else. I can do nothing to thwart my receiving "the trespass", but I can do everything about receiving "the gift." Can I earn "the gift?" Absolutely not, else then it becomes a reward for a service rendered and not a gift. I just merely take by faith what Christ has provided for me.

And I say thank you!

QUESTIONS TO PONDER AS ONE READS THIS SECTION:

1. Read verses 14-21. Locate six pairs of contrasts. What is the significance to you of these contrasts?

2. Read verses 12-14. What is the purpose of death?

3. Read verse 16. How many sins must a man commit before he is condemned? From how many sins can a man be forgiven?

Romans 5:1-11 Return to the Table of Contents Romans 6